Asian Film Archive Instant

You do not need a PhD in film preservation to help. Here is how you can participate:

Before praising what is saved, one must acknowledge the abyss. Experts estimate that over 80% of Asian silent films are lost forever. The reasons are specific to the region: the nitrate stock of early Thai and Filipino cinema decomposed in humid warehouses; the Japanese occupation led to the systematic destruction of propaganda and pre-war reels; the Khmer Rouge erased nearly 90% of Cambodia’s cinematic output. The AFA was founded in 2005 precisely to halt this hemorrhage. Its deep value lies not in its Hollywood partnerships, but in its obsession with the —the newsreel forgotten in a Jakarta attic, the Cantonese opera film left to rot in a Kuala Lumpur shophouse. asian film archive

The archive manages thousands of items, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts. A significant part of their collection is digitized to make it easier for researchers to study. In 2019, the AFA opened the Oldham Theatre at the National Archives of Singapore. This specialized cinema features 4K digital projection and 35mm film capabilities. It serves as the primary venue for their curated screenings. These programs often highlight specific directors, genres, or forgotten eras of regional cinema. Collaboration and Outreach You do not need a PhD in film preservation to help

The AFA acts as a bridge between the past and the future. By saving a film from the 1950s, they allow a modern filmmaker to learn from their predecessors. For the general public, it offers a window into the social and political landscapes of previous generations. In an era where blockbuster hits dominate screens, the Asian Film Archive ensures that the smaller, more personal stories of the continent continue to be told. The reasons are specific to the region: the

: The AFA's primary screening venue, located at the National Archives of Singapore, hosts curated retrospectives and contemporary programs.