Film, the Living Record of Our Memory

Released Feb 27, 2023

1 hr. 59 min.

Documentary

History

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93%

14 Reviews

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85%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

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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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Dave S

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/24

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Clever_User_Name

a brilliant piece of satire

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/05/23

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StephenPaul C

The greatest 01 hour: and 59 minutes of real footage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/05/23

Full Review

Brent M

Film has become so pervasive in our society that we tend to take it for granted. From big screen blockbusters to intimate arthouse dramas and documentaries to home movies, we see these cinematic records of us and our world virtually everywhere we look. It's a phenomenon that's present globally, too, one that spans all seven continents. And, because these images have been committed to a fixed medium, we tend to assume that these records will be with us permanently. But will they? As writer-director Inés Toharia Terán's compelling new documentary reveals, that's not an assumption we should make – indeed, far from it. This excellent examination of film preservation efforts is an eye-opening revelation, showing us just how much of film history has been lost through deterioration, censorship, careless management and even willful destruction – an estimated 80% of all silent films ever made and roughly 50% of those created since the invention of talkies. The documentary explores the reasons behind these tragedies, as well as the efforts that have been made to save and/or restore pictures that could have easily – or still might possibly – become lost without concerted initiatives to protect them. Terán's work is particularly impressive from the standpoint of comprehensiveness, showing the impact that this effort has had on film collections from around the around, from all ages past and from all genres, including not only entertainment offerings but also documentary footage and even those designed to capture cherished personal memories. Through interviews with leading directors, archivists, restoration professionals and photographic industry experts, viewers gain an insightful new appreciation for why these celluloid records matter to us and why it's important to make the effort to save them from neglect before they're gone forever. Admittedly, some may find this offering a little overlong, but, in my view, better more than less when it comes to a showcase aimed at purposely illustrating the need to preserve these precious and otherwise-irretrievable materials. And, to its credit, the film does a fine job of keeping its narrative from becoming too technical, a noteworthy accomplishment for a subject that could easily become overly burdened by indecipherable jargon. "Film" is must-see viewing for anyone who loves movies and passionately desires to see as many of them curated as possible, making their continued existence available to posterity as a genuine living record of our memory.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/20/23

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Con W

An okay documentary. Worth a watch, but not a 5 star must watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/05/23

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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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Noel Murray

Los Angeles Times

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.

May 16, 2023

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Sheri Linden

Hollywood Reporter

Inspired and inspiring.

Mar 5, 2023

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Nicolas Rapold

New York Times

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.

Feb 27, 2023

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Lee Zumpe

Tampa Bay Newspapers

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.

Aug 23, 2023

Full Review

Benjamin Franz

Film Threat

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.

Rated: 9/10

Aug 21, 2023

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Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

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

Rated: 79/100

Aug 12, 2023

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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
Executive Producer: Isaac Garcia Llombart, Maryse Rouillard
Screenwriter: Inés Toharia, Inés Toharia
Distributor: Kino Lorber
Production Co: El Grifilm, Filmoption International
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
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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