Rare film footage of Malta at war and other highlights of the island's history will be shown to the public tomorrow at part of Notte Bianca activities.

The footage forms part of the archives of the Department of Information, and some of it has never been screened before.

Two films will be screened at the Aula Magna of the Old University Building in St Paul Street. The first shows life during the war years, including the bombing, the destruction, the people's suffering, the granting of the George Cross and the arrival of the Sta Marija Convoy.

The second 20-minute film collage shows post war footage including the first export of canned tomatoes to the UK by Gozitano - a cooperative of Gozitan farmers, the 1962 carnival and that year's general elections, the granting of Independence in 1964; the declaration of the Republic; scenes of the capital's old City Gate and the construction of the current entrance into Valletta; the Queen's visit to Malta in November 1967 and unique footage of the European football championship Malta-England match of 1971.

The films will be shown every half-hour, between 7 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. DVD copies can be ordered for €5 from the DOI offices or the Aula Magna of the Old University. They can also be ordered online from http://www.doi.gov.mt .