Sitemap
Index
Print Page
Enlarge Text
Reduce Text
Member LoginAustralia’s Vanishing Motion Picture Heritage
15 November 2004
The final link in the preservation of Australia’s motion picture heritage has now been forged with the incorporation of Australia’s first national entity dedicated to the preservation of significant items involved in the evolution of the Australian motion picture production and exhibition industries. It addresses the long neglected need to prevent remaining items of historical importance going to the tip or disappearing elsewhere. We are the last generation who may have family or other connections with those involved in the beginning of the industry who may still have photos, equipment or other memorabilia in their possession. It is hoped to locate, identify and preserve those items before they are lost forever.
The collection and restoration of archival films and sound recordings has been addressed by Screensound and other organisations. However there has never been a national coordinated effort to locate and preserve the hardware and supportive items which evolved from the times when this country had an active silent cinema industry. Sadly much of this equipment and other artifacts have been discarded due to indifference to its cultural significance.
The Australian Museum of Motion Picture Technology is in the process of establishing permanent displays in five regional centres throughout the nation. Their core exhibits will show the local motion picture history of that area. It will also liaise with museums and other entities to facilitate the exhibition of their motion picture items and to rotate special exhibits through regional displays. Substantial private collections have been offered to AMMPT for exhibition as and when regional branches and displays are established. The Western region branch is currently negotiating for permanent headquarters to store and exhibit items already donated.
Two national curators – one each for production and exhibition will coordinate information from regional curators who will record the current known location of items of interest. A separate division will also be charged with the preservation of other film gauge equipment. When resources are available, the documentation, preservation and display of electronic motion picture apparatus is anticipated. Archivists are being appointed to redress technical inaccuracies published in the past and to document facts and additional material not available to previous authors.
Historically, the traditional avenues for the public to donate motion picture items were local museums. They took in many of the offerings, but due to the universal problem of budget restraints or the lack of adequate display space, many important items were given an acquisition number and stored away, rarely seen again by the public. Unfortunately this was interpreted as lack of official interest in the previously cherished item, resulting in diminished enthusiasm to donate more objects to “the establishment”. Subsequently many valuable pieces vanished due to subsequent disinterest by, or death of the owner. Fortunately some pieces were given or sold to private collectors.
Core membership of AMMPT is mainly those working in or retired from the production and exhibition sectors of the industry. They are contributing their unique practical experience and skills, an invaluable knowledge base for the identification and researching of items received. This expertise will also be available to curators of other museums who may require assistance with their collection or in verifying documentation. Associate and Corporate membership is available to those who may not have been employed in the industry but have a passion for preserving its heritage. The museum anticipates working in closely with local and overseas kindred cinema related organisations.
With the Western Region branch now operating, enquiries are now invited from persons interested in establishing museum displays in other areas. Representatives are established in Central (SA and NT) , Southern (Vic and Tas), Eastern (NSW and ACT) and North Eastern (Qld and PNG) regions who will be coordinating establishment of local museums.
Details of local contacts are available from the Perth based
national coordinator Daryl Binning.
E-mail:
dbinning@iinet.net.au
Phone: 08 9310 3377
Fax: 08 9310
5833.