New Storage Vault to Preserve Province's Film Heritage

Nova Scotia's film heritage will be preserved for future generations thanks to a new, specially equipped vault at Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management.

Nova Scotia's first cold vault for the long-term storage of archival film footage was officially opened today, May 26, at the public archives building in Halifax.

"This new film preservation vault is a reality thanks to the collaborative efforts and persistence of a number of individuals and organizations," said Brian Speirs, provincial archivist. "Now we can ensure that both archival film and colour footage produced by today's vibrant film industry in Nova Scotia will be secure."

The archives staff have been working with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the Council of Nova Scotia Archives to obtain a facility to store at-risk colour film that was produced in Nova Scotia over the last 70 years.

The new climate-controlled, 600 square-foot vault was purchased with assistance from the departments of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Education, and Transportation and Public Works. It will store more than 18,000 film cans from the provincial archives, the CBC and the Council of Nova Scotia Archives, and may also rent some space to commercial film producers.

Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management acquires, preserves and makes available the province's documentary heritage, including archival film footage. More information and sample film clips are available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm .