PROJECT AIMED AT ESTABLISHING AN INVENTORY OF
REPRESENTATIVE WORKS OF
WORLD NON-PROFESSIONAL CINEMA
TO
UNICA MEMBER FEDERATIONS
The launching of a project aimed at
setting up an inventory of representative works of world non-professional cinema
has been effective since the General Meeting
of UNICA on August 19, 2003 in Warsaw; thanks to the unanimous approval given
by twenty eight members to the report which I submitted about the
activities of IFTC (International
Council of Television, Cinema and Audio-visual Communication at UNESCO).
This
project is part of the action undertaken by UNESCO - in co-operation with IFTC
- to draw the attention of the whole world
to the value of various form s of cinematographic expression (feature
films, documentary, animation).The purpose is not to set up a prize list in
“the best of the best" style, but to raise awareness, stimulate curiosity
and help people to explore this prominent medium of cultural diversity whose
protection and promotion are among the top priorities of UNESCO. By,
“representative works" we mean ail works that can be identified as having special significance as testimonies of a given
period of time, a culture, a style, or technical progress or having special
value for whatever specific reason.
The
project has been included in a UNESCO programme, with a corresponding budget
line. It was officially launched by the UNESCO Director-General and the
President of IFTC in May 2002. As far as professional film-making is concerned,
the Member States have been consulted in
the course of July 2003 and IFTC initiated an inquiry among all non-governmental
correspondents (historians, critics, journalists, curators, producers,
festivals...).
UNICA
and all member federations are to join the project and offer the contribution
of non-professional film-makers by setting
up an inventory of works representative of non-professional cinema,
presenting them and ensuring their conservation. Our contribution will, of
course, be somewhat different from that applying to professional cinema. This
project will also be an opportunity for
UNICA and all member federations to enhance its own film heritage and,
if necessary, to promote conservation measures.
I would like to thank you for your commitment to this effort.
Sincerely yours