Chicago Film Archives Collection Assessment

FAIN: PG-50194-07

Chicago Film Archives, NFP (Chicago, IL 60616-1120)
Carolyn Faber (Project Director: May 2006 to October 2007)

A preservation assessment of a moving image collection comprising 5,500 films, created in various formats between 1911 and 1990, that focus on the American Midwest; supplies approved by the consultant would also be purchased.

Film preservation consultant, William O'Farrell, will assess the physical condition of the entire film collection (approximately 5,500 titles) and the environment in which they are housed. In less than three years, Chicago Film Archives (CFA) has acquired thirteen regional film collections (both professional and amateur) consisting of a broad scope of film genres. Many of these films are one-of-a-kind. The National Film Preservation Foundation and the Women's Film Preservation Fund have awarded CFA grants to restore and preserve eleven of these films. We believe it is essential to establish the appropriate preservation practices that will perpetually impact our operations and address the long-term objectives of our organization. There is no other film archive in our region that is committed to collecting, preserving, and providing public access to our moving image heritage.