View - National Film Preservation Foundation

Created by the U.S. Congress to
Preserve America’s Film Heritage
April 30, 2004
Dr. James H. Billington
The Librarian of Congress
Washington, D.C. 20540-1000
Dear Dr. Billington:
In accordance with Public Law 104-285 (Title II), The National Film Preservation Foundation Act of
1996, I submit to the U.S. Congress the 2003 Report of the National Film Preservation Foundation.
It gives me great pleasure to review our accomplishments in carrying out this Congressional mandate.
Since commencing service to the archival community in 1997, we have helped save 630 historically
and culturally significant films from 98 institutions across 34 states and the District of Columbia.
We have produced The Film Preservation Guide: The Basics for Archives, Libraries, and Museums, the
first such publication designed specifically for regional preservationists, and have pioneered in presenting
archival films on widely distributed DVDs and on American television. Unseen for decades,
motion pictures preserved through our programs are now extensively used in study and exhibition.
There is still much to do. This year Congress will consider the reauthorization of our federal grant
programs. Increased funding will enable us to expand service to the nation’s archives, libraries, and
museums and do more toward saving America’s film heritage for future generations. The film preservation
community appreciates your efforts to make the case for increased federal investment. We are
deeply grateful for your leadership.
Space does not permit my acknowledging all those supporting our efforts in 2003, but I would like
to single out several organizations that have played an especially significant role: the National
Endowment for the Humanities, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences, The Film Foundation, Twentieth Century Fox, the Creative Artists Agency,
MGM, and the Hollywood talent guilds. This report shows what can be accomplished when the film
industry, foundations, committed citizens, and the federal government work together.
Sincerely,
Roger L. Mayer
Chair, Board of Directors, National Film Preservation Foundation
President and COO, Turner Entertainment Company