In today’s world, where everything is accessible at the touch of a button, it seems that we have a greater ability of choice in our selection of films whether it is streaming services, DVDs or VHS. We sit in wonder and amazement at the images that flash on screen, capturing these movie moments that resonate in our hearts and minds. However, some people seem to forget that traditional film helped make way for these other platforms, reducing traditional film as outdated or obsolete. Studying and preserving traditional film can help understand how filming techniques used to be done in addition to how the storytelling in traditional film provides a window into the beliefs and creativity of previous generations.
Film Preservationist Holding Film with Gloves at a session on Film Handling and Repair during the 8th Film Preservation and Restoration workshop. Tatatrusts.org. [13 May 2025]. https://www.tatatrusts.org/insights/survey-reports/film-preservation-looking-back-looking-forward.
Film preservation details practices used to prevent the physical damage of images on celluloid. Preservation started in film archives in the 1930s but the official recognition of film preservation, protecting moving pictures, as vital to preserving cultural history did not happen until 1980 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). This elevation of moving images to a protected status gave people a wider access to traditional film for use in educational fields, research, and entertainment. However, most celluloid films made during the silent era no longer exist. Preservation of films during this era was not considered important during that time and the vast majority were intentionally destroyed in fires or recycled for materials. They were destroyed because there was no space for the film in addition to the celluloid films being costly to keep in storage. In addition, most film studios did not see any value in silent celluloid films due to the introduction of sound in newer films. Since the widespread destruction of celluloid films from the silent era, the preservation of silent flms are now seen with vital importance.
Image of a decomposed nitrate film strip. scienceandmediamuseum.org. [13 May 2025]. https://blog.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/introduction-nitrate-film/.
Film preservation focused the majority of its attention on the fragility of film. Most film was traditionally made of cellulose nirate (called celluloid) that was highly flammable. Nitrate film discolors into an amber color including a faded picture. Then, the emulsion on the films stick together and allow the film to crumble. As nitrate film decomposes further as it ages, the film can become toxic, releasing fumes. Finally, the film becomes soft for a moment before totally degenerating into a brown colored powder. Due to the fragility of nitrate film, it was thought that the mass of nitrate films left would have been gone by the 2000s. Fortunately, copying and deep freezing film has helped archivists have more time to fix the nitrate problem. In order to preserve nitrate film, film preservationists store nitrate film at low temperatures, ventalate film in ventilated containers in ventilated rooms to prevent the nitrate film from being damaged by its own fumes, and keeping nitrate film away from other film media.
Film Preservationist removing the lid off of a film case of a film titled Rustler’s Paradise. filmpreservation.org. [13 May 2025]. https://www.filmpreservation.org/blog/2022/1/21/register-for-a-2022-nfpf-grant-by-march-25th.
Cellulose acetate is a plastic film that started to replace cellulose nitrate in film. The ‘safer’ alternative to nitrate film started to gain traction not only with filmmakers but photographers as well. Despite this, cellulose acetate was vulnerable to a chemical process called vinegar syndrome. The acetate got this name due to the vinegar smell that was on degraded acetate film. This degraded acetate film that steadily, with the addition of vinegar syndrome, caused the film to shrink and warp. Polyester film eventually replaced cellulose acetate film as it was seen as more durable. Preservation is focused less on the idea of a one time fix method and more as an ongoing process that changes over time.
In a world where new technology and digital media is continuously evolving, looking back onto the history of traditional film can allow us to see our world through a different historical lens. The enduring history of traditional film will inspire future generations of preservationists, movie makers, histories, and film ethusiasts.
Annalee Deabel is a senior majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Folklore. This is her last year at Media Services. She is pursuing an MA in Museum Studies at Indiana University Indianapolis.
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