Heritage Foundation ALIPH Launches Film Rescue Program

The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH) has initiated its first program focused on cinema, aiming to address the critical issue of film heritage preservation. Announced on Monday at the Lumière Summit held in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, this new initiative is named the Program for the Safeguarding of Cinematographic and Audiovisual Heritage at Risk. The program is designed to combine emergency intervention, preservation efforts, and the physical safeguarding of film materials. This expansion into film heritage comes at a time when an estimated 80% of the world's film heritage remains unprotected, highlighting the urgency and importance of ALIPH's new endeavor. The organization has identified Ukraine, Syria, and Indonesia as initial target countries for this program, indicating a focus on regions facing significant challenges to heritage preservation due to conflict, instability, or lack of resources. ALIPH's broader mission, established in 2017, is to provide emergency funding for the protection of heritage sites and cultural property threatened by armed conflict and extremism. To date, ALIPH has supported over 200 projects in more than 30 countries, demonstrating a significant track record in heritage protection. The organization's funding comes from a diverse range of public and private donors, with a notable contribution from the Swiss government and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The Lumière Summit, where the announcement was made, is an annual event that brings together professionals from the film industry, archives, and heritage institutions to discuss the challenges and opportunities in film preservation. The summit serves as a crucial platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and the launch of new initiatives aimed at protecting cinematic legacies. The Program for the Safeguarding of Cinematographic and Audiovisual Heritage at Risk will likely involve collaboration with local institutions, archives, and experts in the target countries to ensure effective and sustainable preservation strategies. The specific interventions may include digitizing fragile film prints, restoring damaged materials, improving storage conditions, and providing training for local professionals in preservation techniques. The selection of Ukraine, Syria, and Indonesia suggests a strategic approach to address diverse threats, from ongoing conflicts and their aftermath in Ukraine and Syria to potential environmental or resource-related challenges in Indonesia. The success of this program will be crucial in preventing the irreversible loss of invaluable cultural and historical records contained within cinematic and audiovisual materials, which offer unique insights into societies, cultures, and historical events. ALIPH's commitment to this new program underscores the growing recognition of film as a vital component of global cultural heritage, deserving of the same level of protection as tangible historical sites.