The Film Archive Forum - Statement of principles

"Public sector moving image archives are repositories for the custody and preservation of, and access to, the history of our times as recorded on film, videotape and other moving image formats. Such archives contain works made by amateur and professional producers for cinema, television and other purposes. These archives encompass the history and culture of moving image media and respect the integrity of the works above any commercial or short term exploitation. These institutions operate for the public good on a 'not for profit' basis." (from Moving History)

In 2000 the Film Archive Forum published a statement of principles, entitled Moving History: Towards a Policy for the UK's Moving Image Archives. The document sets out ten principles as the basis of a policy for the public sector moving image archives in the UK.

The document was drafted to complement An Archives Policy for the United Kingdom (National Council on Archives), which articulates the need for a network of regional film archives, and A Scottish National Archives Policy, from which the overall structure derives. For a PDF copy of the complete document, visit the Publications page.

Principle 1 - Moving Image Archives
The care of film, video and other moving image materials must be recognised as a specialist activity which holds a distinctive place within the wider archive community.
Principle 2 - Co-ordination of Policy
There should be a complete network of mutually supportive public sector moving image archives throughout the United Kingdom.
Principle 3 - Legislation
There should be comprehensive and consistent legislation for moving image archives nationally and regionally.
Principle 4 - Acquisition and Preservation
Moving image archives should be committed to acquiring and preserving materials on the original medium, informed by internationally agreed standards for care and conservation.
Principle 5 - Documentation
To support the moving image collections in their care, archives should seek to acquire, create and preserve complementary documentation and other related materials.
Principle 6 - Access
There should be the widest possible public access to all preserved materials.
Principle 7 - Education and Research
Moving image archives should seek to further the use of their collections in teaching, learning and research.
Principle 8 - Professional Education
All those with curatorial responsibility for moving image archives should have relevant archival qualifications or appropriate professional experience.
Principle 9 - Funding
There must be adequate funding at national and regional levels to enable moving image archives to meet all core functions.
Principle 10 - Ethics
The work of all moving image archivists must be underpinned by adherence to an established professional code of ethics.