We strongly believe that this conference is only the beginning of a long-term and fruitful co-operation in between the professionals and institutions in the region and beyond and that the “The Balkans' Memory” will only go from strength to strength in years to come, affirmed Sanja Ravlic, Head of Development of HAVC.

The conference was opened by Mrs. Tamara Perišić, Croatian Vice Minister of Culture, followed by Mr. Paolo Berizzi, Head of Political, Economic, Trade and Information Section, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Hado Abaz, Albanian Vice Minister of Culture, Mr. Hrvoje Hribar, Chief Executive of the Croatian Audiovisual Centre and by Mr. Mathieu Gallet, Ina Chairman and Executive Officier and President of COPEAM.

The strategic importance of this project is particulary evident in the current context. While the world of television switches to digital, the issue of preservation and digitization of archival films and audiovisual contents arises more than ever. The implementation of this ambitious policy and the setting up of international standards will ensure the preservation and the accessibility of funds, the possibility of exchange and circulation of works and the networking of policy makers and professionals of the sector, explained Mr. Gallet.

During the sessions of the conference, a panel of experts from European institutions, audiovisual and archives organizations of the region deepened the topic of preservation and valorization of audiovisual heritage from different points of view: the legal and policies framework and the financial and commercial aspects. Indeed, the European Convention for the Protection of Audiovisual Heritage and regional policies related to its preservation and digitization were presented. Moreover, different strategies already in force in several audiovisual organizations and some case studies on commercial, educational and cultural uses of archives were illustrated.

At the end of the works, the participants were invited to the Croatian State Archive building for the projection of a restored version of the film “Oktavijan Miletić – amateur films 1932-1937”, so to better underline the importance and the historical and cultural value of the audiovisual heritage.

The first regional seminar will take place in autumn 2012 in Tirana (Albania), and it will adress the issues of preservation and restauration of the cinematographic and audiovisual heritage.

More information on the Balkans' Memory project is available here.

Press contacts:
HAVC: Petra Hofbauer
00385 91 4655 444 / press@havc.hr
Ina: Laure de Lestrange
+33 1 49 83 26 68 / ldelestrange@ina.fr
COPEAM: Elena Chiaberge
0039 06 36 86 2415 / echiaberge@copeam.org