What to do with old movies?
 

I have very old movies -- or actually tapes made from a film master -- of various parts of Europe in the early 20s -- Tintern Abbey, parts of Paris, etc. They are part of some family archives and my grandfather, who was enamored of the new media, took endless detailed shots of architecture and there's a very long sequence of what looks to be a festival parade a la mardi gras. <BR> <BR>Would this be of value to any institution you could think of? What would you do with such footage?

Maybe someone at the Smithsonian would be able to give you the name of a European counterpart to contact.

Three possibilities: <BR> <BR>I'd contact the AFI (American Film Institute) - they may be interested from a film perspective (materials, how the film was shot, etc.). <BR> <BR>From a travel perspective, a channel like the Discovery channel network may have some interest - especially since they now have the much talked about Travel Channel. <BR> <BR>You might also contact the AIA (American Institute of Architects) who may have an interest in European architecture. <BR> <BR>Hope those suggestions help.

In addition to the above, perhaps a university or arts/film school? Production agency?

Hi Cinephile, <BR> <BR>Do you happen to know what condition the film is in? Many older films are decayed and/or decaying, the old nitrates for example are all going away. Unfortunately film restoration is an extremely costly and difficult process, however, if the films are in good condition, you might try contacting the Film and Television department of UCLA. They have an active restoration/preservation department and should be able to point you in the right direction. <BR> <BR>http://www.tft.ucla.edu/tfthome.htm <BR> <BR>

I wonder too, Thyra, if Cinephile's interested in getting the movies restored for herself in a new format, if the film institutes/schools would be willing to restore these films at a lower cost "just for experience"...in the same rationale that vet schools will perform pet surgeries at a minimal cost for the experience and learning process?