Film, the Living Record of Our Memory

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Film, the Living Record of Our Memory

2023

1h 59m

Documentary

History

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Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

13 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Why are we still able to watch moving images captured over 125 years ago? As we move ever further into the digital age, our audiovisual heritage seems to be taken increasingly for granted. However, much of our filmed history and cinema has already been lost forever. Film archivists, curators, technicians and filmmakers from around the world explain what film preservation is and why it is needed. Our protagonists are custodians of film whose work behind the scenes safeguards the survival of motion pictures. It is a task they undertake based on their closely held belief in the artistic and cultural value of the moving image, in tune with a shared mantra that a film might one day transform someone's life. This documentary is an homage to them all and sheds some light on their critical undertaking.

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Noel Murray

Los Angeles Times

May 16, 2023

Though a bit overlong and lacking a strong structure, this frequently fascinating documentary nevertheless shows how cultural ephemera can bring the past to life, in ways both instructional and inspirational.

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Sheri Linden

The Hollywood Reporter

Mar 5, 2023

Inspired and inspiring.

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Nicolas Rapold

New York Times

Feb 27, 2023

For a documentary largely about archives, it should be better organized, but its breathless profusion of information underscores the scale of the task at hand.

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Lee Zumpe

Tampa Bay Newspapers

Aug 23, 2023

Gradually, these sequences coalesce into a fascinating patchwork quilt of enthusiastic conservationists and curators, dedicated to a monumental effort that is often underfunded and, in the grand scheme, underappreciated.

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Benjamin Franz

Film Threat

Aug 21, 2023

9/10

Film: The Living Record of Our Memory is an essential documentary for anyone interested in cinema. This film unflinchingly and brilliantly recounts the effort to save film and cinematic history.

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Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

Aug 12, 2023

79/100

An exhaustive, illuminating, and inspiring call to action for all lovers of film.

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Kyle M

@RT77296778 Mar 26, 2026

Presents an enrichingly solid, thoroughly grasped argument with moderate engagement and elaborate strays. (B+)

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Dave S

@RT68722908 Jan 29, 2024

It's a bit of a given that the documentary Film, the Living Record of Our Memory won't appeal to any kind of mass audience. However, cinephiles and history buffs won't be able to resist its nerdish but important charms. The film focuses on those who cherish and understand the importance of preserving the celluloid treasures that reflect both our culture and the early days of telling stories through the lens of a projector. Featuring the likes of such behind the scenes legends as Martin Scorsese, Wim Wenders, Costra-Gavras, and Ken Loach, among others, it is a clinical but passionate look at those dedicated to preserving the past. Does it run too long? Probably. It does get a bit repetitive at times, but those who love this kind of stuff will enthusiastically slurp it up. Others, not so much.

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Inés Toharia

Director

Costa-Gavras

Self

Jonas Mekas

Self

Patricio Guzmán

Self

Ken Loach

Self

Bill Morrison

Self

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Film, the Living Record of Our Memory: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Why are we still able to watch moving images captured over 125 years ago? As we move ever further into the digital age, our audiovisual heritage seems to be taken increasingly for granted. However, much of our filmed history and cinema has already been lost forever. Film archivists, curators, technicians and filmmakers from around the world explain what film preservation is and why it is needed. Our protagonists are custodians of film whose work behind the scenes safeguards the survival of motion pictures. It is a task they undertake based on their closely held belief in the artistic and cultural value of the moving image, in tune with a shared mantra that a film might one day transform someone's life. This documentary is an homage to them all and sheds some light on their critical undertaking.

Director: Inés Toharia
Producer: Paul Cadieux, Isaac Garcia Llombart
Screenwriter: Inés Toharia, Inés Toharia
Distributor: Kino Lorber
Production Co: Filmoption International, El Grifilm
Genre: Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 27, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 6, 2023
Box Office (Gross USA): $8.7K
Runtime: 1h 59m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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