Moving image review (1988]-)

The Birth of The Making of an American Another Organization Named to National Film Registry By Louisa Trott NHF was the first organization to come to mind when I needed advice on starting a regional film archives in the US. As a graduate of the MA in Film Archiving at the University of East Anglia, and having worked in regional film archives in the UK, I already had a thorough knowledge of how such organizations operate — but no idea of how to establish one. I believe strongly in drawing on other peoples experiences (and sharing my own experiences widi odiers when it will benefit them). I've been asking NHF for advice in setting up the archives, for example, being affiliated with a university versus remaining autonomous. NHF's work is highly regarded and well respected throughout the film preservation profession, but particularly so amongst regional archives. I was already aware of their work before coming to die US. I was surprised to find that there weren't more regional film archives in the US; having some I knew I could rely on for advice was very reassuring. NHF's success has paved the way for other regional film archives, so that when applying for tax-exempt status or when approaching prospective donors, we are able to point to NHF as a model of what it is we are aiming to do. Louisa Trott is a film archivist involved in establishing a moving image archives in KnoxviUe, Tennessee. H ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^•^••^••••••••M Maine Mall and Burlington Square Mall. Vermont, host the Going to the Movies exhibition and 20+ talks by film scholars. The Making of an American, 1 920, preserved by Northeast Historic Film, was named to the National Film Registry in 2005 by Dr. James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress. The film is a short drama about an Italian immigrant who arrives in America unable to speak English. Following misfortunes, he takes "It Was MY Life Story You Told!" "The Making of an American" Has already made hundreds of Americans. It hits the right spot. Try it. IUnttrattJ circular from H/orceiltr Film Corporation, H) Wt« «JI* Sirtel, N. Y. City language classes and ascends the industrial ladder of success. Martin Marks and Dawn Perlner presented the film with piano, violin, and song at the Harvard Film Archive, in Vermont at Castleton State College and at Pentangle Center for the Arts, Woodstock, in student lecture-demonstrations and public screenings. When shown by Nancy Coffey in English for Speakers of Other Languages class in Lynn, Mass., students responded enthusiastically, identifying with the protagonist. Said one, "He reminded me of how I felt when I first came to the United States. Now I'm trying to do exactly like he did, to learn English as much as I can and get a better life style." Linwood M. Erskine, Jr., former director and clerk of the Worcester Film Corporation, which made the film, says he believes almost every film made by the company was destroyed. The film was lost until 1 999 when Alan Kattelle of Hudson, MA, donated a film copy among a collection of other reels. It is available for purchase and loan from NHF and will soon be released as a DVD with music by Martin Marks. H Collections Guide published with support from the Betterment Fund. Champion International Corp. makes lead gift to kick off capital campaign. Timeline continues on Page Boston Light & Sound designs projection booth. Charlie Chaplin's The Circus with orchestra at Flynn Theatre in Burlington draws 1 , 1 00 people. Roughed-m auditorium used for screenings, events, and performances. Advisors group founded, experts on call to assist with decisions and connections.