The inaugural conference of Balkans’ Memory project, led by Ina in association with the Croatian Audiovisual Centre, the National Film Archive of Albania and COPEAM, was successfully held in Zagreb on 1st June. Hosted by the Croatian Audiovisual Center, the event counted more than 100 participants coming from 15 different countries. “We strongly believe that this conference is only the beginning of a long-term and fruitful co-operation in between the professionals and institutions in the region and beyond and that the “Balkans' Memory” will only go from strength to strength in years to come” affirmed Sanja Ravlic, Head of Development of HAVC.
The conference was opened by Mrs. Tamara PerišiÄ, Croatian Vice Minister of Culture, followed by Mr. Paulo Berizzi, Head of Political, Economic, Trade and Information Section, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Hado Abaz, Albanian Vice Minister of Culture, Mr. Hrvoje Hribar, Chief Executive of the Croatian Audiovisual Centre and Mr. Mathieu Gallet, Ina Chairman and Executive Officer and President of COPEAM.
The strategic importance of this project is particulary evident in the current context. “While the world of television switches to digital, the issue of preservation and digitization of archival films and audiovisual contents arises more than ever. The implementation of this ambitious policy and the setting up of international standards will ensure the preservation and the accessibility of funds, the possibility of exchange and circulation of works and the networking of policy makers and professionals of the sector”, explained Mr. Gallet.
During the sessions of the conference, a panel of experts from European institutions, audiovisual and archives organizations of the region deepened the topic of preservation and valorization of audiovisual heritage from different points of view: the legal and policies framework and the financial and commercial aspects. Indeed, the European Convention for the Protection of Audiovisual Heritage and regional policies related to its preservation and digitization were presented. Moreover, different strategies already in force in several audiovisual organizations and some case studies on commercial, educational and cultural uses of archives were illustrated.
At the end of the works, the participants were invited to the Croatian State Archive building for the projection of a restored version of the film “Oktavijan Miletić – amateur films 1932-1937”, so to better understand the importance and the historical and cultural value of the audiovisual heritage.
The next step of the project will be the first regional seminar to be held in Tirana, Albania, from 6 to 8 November 2012 and will be dedicated to the preservation and restoration of archives.
The idea of this seminar is to adress the archive managers of the Balkans with the following questions: What do I have in my holdings? Which formats? Which defaults and characteristics related to these formats? Which materials are the most in danger? How can I preserve and maintain them before I can digitize them?
Theoretical courses, debates and visits led by specialists in the domain will be delivered in English to 15 professionals coming from the targeted countries of the Western Balkans.
