We are incredibly proud to have collaborated with The National Archives, UK, on this project—bringing MI5’s hidden history to life through a series of engaging and insightful audio visual pieces. This exhibition, which opened 5 April, marks the first time the public has access to MI5’s extensive history, revealing stories of espionage, intelligence, and security threats that have shaped Britain over the last 115 years.
A Groundbreaking Exhibition
For over a century, MI5 has operated in the shadows, working to protect the nation from threats both foreign and domestic. Now, for the first time, The National Archives unveils a vast collection of original case files, photographs, documents, and even real spy equipment. Visitors will step into the world of espionage, uncovering stories of double agents, counter-terrorism operations, and the technological advancements that have defined modern intelligence work.
Chocolate Films played a key role in shaping this exhibition through a series of films and audio content, which are embedded within the exhibition space.
Bringing Espionage to Life Through Film and Audio
Our work on this project involved filming and producing interviews with some of the most influential figures in British intelligence history. These included former MI5 Director General Eliza Manningham-Buller, former Prime Minister and Home Secretary Theresa May, MI5 historian Christopher Andrew, and The National Archives expert Mark Dunton.
Eliza Manningham-Buller: A Life in MI5
As the former Director General of MI5, Eliza Manningham-Buller provides invaluable insights into the inner workings of the agency. Her interview delves into her motivations for joining MI5, the importance of teamwork, and the challenges of countering modern threats. She also reflects on significant moments in British intelligence history, such as the July 7, 2005, London bombings and Operation OVERT—the largest surveillance operation in MI5’s history.
Theresa May: Overseeing National Security
Theresa May, the longest-serving Home Secretary in modern times, shares her experiences overseeing MI5, discussing the mechanics of government intelligence oversight. Her interview covers pivotal moments such as the Salisbury poisonings and the evolving threat of state-sponsored espionage. Her reflections provided a rare look into how political leadership and intelligence agencies collaborate to maintain national security.
Mark Dunton: The Double Cross System
Mark Dunton, Principal Records Specialist at The National Archives, explores one of the most intriguing aspects of MI5’s history—the Double Cross system. This World War II intelligence operation turned enemy spies into double agents, playing a critical role in misleading Nazi Germany about the location of the D-Day landings. His discussion highlights the significance of archival records in uncovering these stories and preserving them for future generations.
Christopher Andrew: The Historian’s Perspective
Christopher Andrew, MI5’s official historian, provides a unique perspective on the organisation’s evolution. He details his experiences working with MI5’s records, and the privilege of being invited to view this extraordinary material. In particular, he encourages all of those with an interest in history to make use of this rare opportunity to access these fascinating archives.
The Voice of MI5: Ken McCallum’s Reflections
The exhibition also features Ken McCallum, the current Director General of MI5. He invites visitors to learn more about MI5 through this unique exhibition and emphasises the security services on-going commitment to protecting the nation while adapting to emerging threats such as cyber warfare and AI-driven espionage.
In addition to the interview-led films we enjoyed the opportunity to come up with some creative audio-visual pieces to bring historic moments to life.
The Portland Spy Ring
Chocolate Films worked with The National Archive curatorial team to create an animated film based on the surveillance transcripts of two of the infamous Portland Spy Ring, Harry Houghton and Ethel Gee, who unbeknownst to them, were being listened to by MI5. Actors voiced the parts of Harry and Ethel, and their conversation is heard alongside visuals which evoke the 1960s surveillance technology and the home in which they lived.
The World Outside the MI5 Archive
This film takes the viewer on a tour of key locations in and around London which have interesting stories of espionage and intrigue spanning the history of MI5 from the early 20th century to the present. Satellite imagery of the locations are combined with key information and insights from the archive about the people involved and events that took place.
Anthony Blunt’s confession
This audio recording is based on the account of MI5 officer, AS Martin, who met Anthony Blunt and heard his confession. His perspective on this key moment is brought to life through the spoken word, which was voiced by an actor.
Interrogation of Wulf Schmidt
An insight into the interrogation process is provided by an audio recreation of the questioning of Wulf Schmidt, a suspected spy, by MI5 officers. Chocolate Films worked with actors to produce this evocative recording based on transcripts from the MI5 archives.
Exhibition Launch
Attending the opening of the exhibition was a fantastic experience for the Chocolate Films team. It was great to see the films and audio integrated into the exhibition and see the response of visitors to this compelling look at the hidden world of British intelligence.
Visit the Exhibition
The MI5 exhibition at The National Archives is now open. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spy thriller fan, or simply curious about the world of intelligence, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Follow Chocolate Films for behind-the-scenes insights into our filmmaking process and our work on this extraordinary exhibition.
#MI5Exhibition #ChocolateFilms #EspionageHistory #TheNationalArchives #BritishIntelligence
