Peter Bosma
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231174596
- eISBN:
- 9780231850827
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231174596.003.0006
- Subject:
- Film, Television and Radio, Film
This chapter discusses the definition of film heritage, and investigates the fundamental tasks of film archives. Film heritage could be defined simply as ‘all films made more than five to seven years ...
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This chapter discusses the definition of film heritage, and investigates the fundamental tasks of film archives. Film heritage could be defined simply as ‘all films made more than five to seven years ago’. A significant percentage of film heritage that still exists today is seriously affected by damages of decay, and is threatened by deterioration. A complete and sustainable preservation of film heritage is therefore a matter of high urgency. There are three fundamental tasks of film archives. Firstly, the safeguarding of the collection: to acquire, thus minimising the loss of value, and restore if necessary the films to their original form. Secondly, the presentation of the collection: offering as much as possible in the way of screenings, exhibitions, and publications. Thirdly, the development of the collection: adding value, giving it a connection to current times and contexts.Less
This chapter discusses the definition of film heritage, and investigates the fundamental tasks of film archives. Film heritage could be defined simply as ‘all films made more than five to seven years ago’. A significant percentage of film heritage that still exists today is seriously affected by damages of decay, and is threatened by deterioration. A complete and sustainable preservation of film heritage is therefore a matter of high urgency. There are three fundamental tasks of film archives. Firstly, the safeguarding of the collection: to acquire, thus minimising the loss of value, and restore if necessary the films to their original form. Secondly, the presentation of the collection: offering as much as possible in the way of screenings, exhibitions, and publications. Thirdly, the development of the collection: adding value, giving it a connection to current times and contexts.
