Ensuring the Preservation of Film and Video Collections: Challenges and Access Perspectives
On the occasion of the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, the Cinémathèque québécoise and the Concordia University Library are joining forces to explore the technical challenges related to the preservation and access of film and video collections.
The event will begin at 3:00 p.m. at Concordia’s 4th Space with a series of short presentations by specialists from both institutions, followed by a public discussion. Presentations will also be livestreamed on Zoom, allowing everyone to join the conversation.
- Pamela Caussy, Manager, Visual Collections Repository (VCR), Concordia University;
- Jessica Hébert, Head of Collections Documentation, Cinémathèque québécoise;
- Eva Létourneau, Film and Audiovisual Conservation Manager, Cinémathèque québécoise;
- Nicolas Martel, Head of Digital Preservation, Cinémathèque québécoise;
- Louis Pelletier, PhD in Communication from Concordia University and research professional at the Université de Montréal's Laboratoire CinéMédias;
- Haidee Wasson, Distinguished Research Professor, Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, Université Concordia.
At 6:30 p.m., the conversation will continue at the Cinémathèque with a free screening of the restored version of Belle Famille (1978) by Serge Giguère and Robert Tremblay, providing a unique opportunity to reflect collectively on the role of media formats and equipment in transmitting our audiovisual heritage.
By bringing people together around the issues of Concordia University Library’s resources and collections and the preservation mandate of the Cinémathèque québécoise, this event highlights the importance of protecting not only the works themselves, but also the contexts, tools, and expertise that allow them to be fully experienced.
4th Space – Concordia University
LB-103, J.W. McConnell Building (LB)
1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West
Guy-Concordia Metro (exit rue Guy)
The Concordia University Library is responsible for managing and developing the University’s media resources for teaching and research. It supports the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, a leader in ensuring that students experience cinema as it was meant to be: on the big screen, with projectionists and professional equipment. This commitment to maintaining dedicated screening spaces, preserving specialized technologies, and supporting the necessary expertise reflects a broader desire to safeguard both the tangible and intangible aspects of film culture. In this context, the Library must navigate complex challenges related to licences, formats, and media to support the School’s unique mission.
Cinémathèque québécoise
335 De Maisonneuve Blvd. East
Berri-UQAM Metro (exit rue St-Denis)
Founded in 1963 by a group of passionate filmmakers, the Cinémathèque québécoise is now a major institution whose mission is to acquire, document, and safeguard Québec’s cinematographic, television, and audiovisual heritage, as well as international animated film. It also collects significant works of Canadian and world cinema, ensuring their promotion for cultural and educational purposes.
Located in the heart of Montréal’s Quartier des spectacles, the Cinémathèque is above all a place of inspiration, exchange, and sharing that is open to society. Fueled by a passion for the 7th art since its beginnings, it offers artists, citizens, and professionals inclusive, relevant, and bold initiatives and activities that resonate with creativity.
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