By Kaleb Franks
Film archives are a significant resource we have available to us. Films are a historical and preserved record of our culture and the period it was made. To be able to view these films from different eras gives us an understanding and perspective of life in a different time. In addition, being in the archive ensures films are preserved and like art itself, are available to view in the future. Further, film archives provide students and researchers with the resources to study the art of filmmaking. Finally, film archives provide an opportunity for entertainment and education of films not just from the United States, but throughout the world.
The films in archives can be some of the biggest blockbusters, film cinema classics, average films, or even rare and old films. You can find these film archives from both public and private collections in person and online. Once you start your search to find them, you will see so many archives to choose from. Some examples are the Yale Film Archive, Harvard Film Archive, Chicago Film Archive, Anthology Film Archives, NYU Libraries Film Collection, the National Film Archive of the United States, and the British Film Institute National Archive. Next, you will have to decide if you want to access the archives in person or online. Visiting in person has its advantages for the experience alone, but it can limit people due to their location. So, if you cannot go in person, just start a Google search and you will find access to film archives is just a click away.
Let's begin with searching online for film archives. Searching for film archives in the search bar will offer the results you need, but if you are a student, researcher, or just a film lover, you may want to provide the necessary relevant information along with the words film archives in your online search for a more advanced search. Once the search has begun, your results will provide you with numerous film archives at your fingertip. After choosing your desired film archive, you will now come to their home page first. Here you will learn their access policies, instructions on how to watch the film, if the film is free or a payment is due, and any requirements of who can search their site. For example, many universities have arranged for their students to have free access to certain film archives online. Either way, you will need to register and agree to the rules of the archive. Also, do not forget about copyright laws and restrictions. The online site should provide you with the restrictions on accessing the films and if permission is needed to view them, show them, or reproduce them. Graining access may mean providing your name and reason to access for access. However, it can be as easy as just clicking on the collection itself and choosing a film. However, archives could require you to log in or ask permission before you can access the collection.
Next, you will see information about the film collection in the archive. It is usually broken down into categories that can include the genre, director, actor, or the film itself. Further, the catalogs allow you to search for specifics about the film itself such as the release date, reviews, box office amount, writers, and cinematographers. If you are a researcher, make sure you take good notes and document all information about the film. If you just want to watch a film, it can be as simple as clicking on the title or picture of the digitized copy of the film. Find a quiet place to watch it so you do not disturb others. You can either choose to watch it for the experience alone or take notes if you are researching the film. Also, many film archives will show a film screening to the public. Check the website you are on to find a link for Film Screenings or Film Calendar which will show the date and time where you can watch in person or online. Further, some archives allow you to rent a screening room. For example, Anthology Film Archives in New York City “has two theaters which can be rented by individuals or organizations for a wide variety of presentations, including premieres, private screenings, classes, guest lectures, benefits; by invitation or open to the public; and multi-day film and video festivals”. Anthology Film Archives (2024).
On the other hand, if you want to visit a film archive in person, make sure you plan your visit before you go. Do online research for their hours of operation, policies, and restrictions. If you are given access digitally, as with viewing online, make sure you take notes for your research.
Once there, the physical archive may use digital or physical access to their films. If you receive the film physically, make sure you are careful with it and do no damage as “motion picture film, videotapes and now digital formats are fragile and need constant care”. Julia Hodson (2024).
I hope you take the opportunity to access the many film archives available to you! Keep in mind that watching films is not only great entertainment but so much more. Film Archives allow a “moving, visual archive of the world and one way in which we further the preservation of the world’s diversity for communities and researchers”. Abigail Eisenstadt (2024).
References
Anthology Film Archives. 2024. “Contact/Theater Rental Info”. 2024. Accessed March 13, 2024. http://anthologyfilmarchives.org/contact/theater-rental
Eisenstadt, Abigail. 2021. “How Film Helps Preserve the World’s Diversity”. Smithsonian Voices. Accessed March 13, 2024. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-of-natural-history/2021/03/18/how-film-helps-preserve-worlds-diversity/
Hodson, Julia. 2024. “Ask the Expert: What impact do film archives have on society?” News at Indiana University. Accessed March 13, 2024. https://news.iu.edu/live/news/31869-ask-the-expert-what-impact-do-film-archives-have
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