History Hit Partners with BFI to Launch ‘Saving South’ Documentary Ahead of Endurance Release on Disney+

‘Saving South’ will be available on streaming service History Hit in anticipation of the premiere of Endurance on Disney+ and Hulu on 2nd November, following its UK Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival. National Geographic Documentary Films’ Endurance is a Little Dot Studios, Consequential & History Hit Production in association with Little Monster Films.

History Hit, the award-winning streaming service, podcast, and content platform founded by historian Dan Snow, has produced a new documentary Saving South, in partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI). This documentary delves into the rich history behind the filming of South (1919), filmed and directed by Frank Hurley, and explores the monumental Antarctic expedition of Sir Ernest Shackleton, shedding light on how Hurley’s filmed expedition record transformed the cinematic landscape.

In anticipation of the highly awaited release of the National Geographic Documentary film Endurance on Disney+ and Hulu on 2nd November, Saving South showcases original negatives from South, meticulously preserved in the BFI National Archive’s Master Film Store in Warwickshire at a chilling -5 degrees. Through these rare visuals, viewers will not only see glimpses of Shackleton’s 1914-1916 expedition but also discover the legacy of South, which, as the first-ever feature-length documentary, captivated audiences over a century ago with its portrayal of survival against the harshest of elements.

“Saving South is a remarkable exploration of how one film can change the course of cinematic history,” said Bryony Dixon, BFI National Archive silent film curator. “By bringing together Hurley’s original footage and in-depth analysis, we are excited to present a film that honours both the courage of the expedition and the innovative spirit of early filmmaking.”

“History Hit’s involvement in the production of Saving South is particularly significant. As a team that includes members of the Endurance 22 expedition, including myself, which was organised and funded by The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust, we are uniquely positioned to tell this story,” said Dan Snow, Founder and Creative Director at History Hit. “Our deep understanding of Shackleton’s journey, combined with our commitment to presenting historical narratives and artefacts, allows us to create a documentary that not only informs and inspires but also captivates audiences around the world.”

Saving South offers a fascinating perspective on the perilous adventure of Shackleton and his crew - through the eyes of filmmaker and photographer Frank Hurley as the expedition unfolded. It features Hurley's stunning visuals of the region's exotic wildlife, including some charming penguins, and promises to be both a visual treat and an educational experience.

Saving South will premiere on History Hit on October 24th, whetting viewers' appetites for the highly anticipated Endurance documentary on Disney+. This partnership between History Hit and the BFI underscores a shared commitment to preserving and sharing the compelling stories of our past.