Kartemquin Educational Films Preservation Rehousing Project

FAIN: PG-51376-11

Kartemquin Films Ltd. (Chicago, IL 60657-4029)
Zak Piper (Project Director: May 2010 to January 2013)

The purchase of preservation supplies to rehouse four documentary films set in Chicago in the 1960s.

Kartemquin Educational Films proposes to rehouse 356 16mm original production elements from our earliest four films: Home For Life, Thumb Down, Parents and Inquiring Nuns. According to a 2008 collections assessment these films, made between 1966-1968, have been subjected to a long history of compromised storage conditions and are at high risk of loss. They are currently housed in damaged, rusty, sealed metal cans. Rehousing the materials will create a more stable environment, improve access and improve control over this part of the collection. A nationally-recognized nonprofit media arts organization, Kartemquin has produced over 40 documentaries, including Hoop Dreams which was named to the National Film Registry in 2005. With an archive of over 9,000 production elements, we are looking at the legacy that we want to leave for future generations. The re-housing project is a launching point for further efforts to preserve and increase access to this rich and unique collection.