Film, the Living Record of Our Memory (2023)
86%RT Audience Score: 75%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Film, the Living Record of Our Memory, is a documentary that captures the essence of cinema as a cultural artifact and the tireless efforts of those who work to preserve it. While some critics have noted its lack of structure and length, the film’s breathless profusion of information is a testament to the monumental task of archiving and restoring films. The documentary celebrates the global community of restorers, who are selfless, dedicated, and eminently patient in their work of bringing decimated pieces of celluloid back to life. It is a must-see for anyone who has ever been dazzled by the magic of movies, and it will increase your appreciation for the art form and the dangers it faces geometrically. In short, Film, the Living Record of Our Memory, is a powerful sermon that preaches to the choir of TCM addicts, Criterion Channel subscribers, and other film buffs.
Film, the Living Record of Our Memory is like a time machine that takes you on a journey through the history of cinema. While it may be a bit disorganized at times, the sheer amount of information and passion for film preservation is infectious. You’ll come away with a newfound appreciation for the art form and the people who work tirelessly to keep it alive. Plus, you’ll never look at a scratched-up old film reel the same way again. It’s a must-see for any movie lover, and even if you’re not a die-hard cinephile, you’ll still be entertained and educated. So grab some popcorn and settle in for a fascinating ride through the past, present, and future of cinema.
Production Company(ies)
Film/TV/Theater
Distributor
Kino Lorber
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 59m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Documentary/History
Keyword(s)
documentary, history, film preservation, cultural heritage, film archivists, cinema, motion pictures, Kino Lorber, El Grifilm, Filmoption International, Inés Toharia, Paul Cadieux, Isaac Garcia Llombart, Costa-Gavras, Jonas Mekas, Patricio Guzmán, Ken Loach, Bill Morrison, Fernando Trueba, reviewed by Noel Murray, Sheri Linden, Nicolas Rapold, Sarah Boslaugh, Neely Swanson, Michael Clark, Lee Jutton, Roger Moore, Kent Turner, box office gross, budget, MPAA rating, limited release, streaming release, English language, directed by Inés Toharia, written by Inés Toharia, produced by Paul Cadieux and Isaac Garcia Llombart, starring Costa-Gavras, Jonas Mekas, Patricio Guzmán, Ken Loach, Bill Morrison, Fernando Trueba, film restoration, celluloid, film history, film buffs, film enthusiasts, film industry, film technology, film culture, film education, film preservationists, film restoration techniques, film restoration process, film restoration equipment, film restoration challenges, film restoration projects, film restoration organizations, film restoration funding, film restoration advocacy, film restoration impact, film restoration importance, film restoration future.
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $7,500,000
Production budget ranking: 1,767
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,038,750
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Jonas Mekas – Self
Patricio Guzmán – Self
Ken Loach – Self
Bill Morrison – Self
Fernando Trueba – Self
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (9) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (9)
Though a bit overlong and lacking a strong structure, this frequently fascinating documentary nevertheless shows how cultural ephemera can bring the past to life, in ways both instructional and inspirational.
May 16, 2023
Noel Murray
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Inspired and inspiring.
March 5, 2023
Sheri Linden
Hollywood Reporter
TOP CRITIC
For a documentary largely about archives, it should be better organized, but its breathless profusion of information underscores the scale of the task at hand.
February 27, 2023
Nicolas Rapold
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
…celebrates the cultural importance of the medium as well as the many people who work to see that the films of today and yesterday will be available to be seen well into the future.
May 11, 2023 | Rating: 7/10
Sarah Boslaugh
TheArtsStl
A must see for anyone who has ever been dazzled by the sleight of hand that is a movie. Your appreciation for the art form and the dangers it faces will increase geometrically.
May 5, 2023
Neely Swanson
Easy Reader (California)
[It] concentrates on the global community of restorers. Selfless, dedicated, and eminently patient, these professionals are charged with taking decimated, often unwatchable pieces of celluloid and bringing them back to life.
March 29, 2023 | Rating: 4.5/5
Michael Clark
Epoch Times
Film, the Living Record of Our Memory provides ample evidence as to why it is so important that we continue to remember, and to support those who make it possible for us to do so.
March 4, 2023
Lee Jutton
Film Inquiry
If you love movies and think you know the medium’s history, prepare to be overwhelmed.
February 28, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Roger Moore
Movie Nation
This is a must-see for TCM addicts, Criterion Channel subscribers, and other film buffs. If it preaches to the choir, it’s still a powerful sermon.
November 27, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/4
Kent Turner
Film-Forward.com…
Plot
“Film, the Living Record of Our Memory” is a documentary that explores the importance of film preservation and the work of film archivists, curators, technicians, and filmmakers in safeguarding our audiovisual heritage.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The documentary features interviews with notable filmmakers and film preservationists, including Costa-Gavras, Jonas Mekas, Patricio Guzmán, Ken Loach, Bill Morrison, and Fernando Trueba.
NA.jpg
