26/09/2003

There’s a new mission to preserve the cinematographic and audiovisual heritage being spearheaded by the Culture Minister, Jean-Jacques Aillagon and Hubert Astier. Faced with a rapid degeneration of film materials and with the introduction of digital technologies, the French State has plans to reorganise and eventually merge the film and audiovisual archives currently run by the National Film School – the CNC), the National Audiovisual Institute (INA) and a department at the France National Library (BNF).

So, digitisation and safeguarding the film and audiovisual works are the main features of Astier’s mission. He has become involved in the field at the time when the majority of films have already been restored. His first report on the issue will be published at the end of January, 2004 and the work will be continued during the first 3 months of the year.

(Translated from French)