Connected to

Framework Agreement Between ACE and FIAPF for Voluntary Deposit of Films

After several years of negotiations, ACE (Association des Cinémathèques Européennes) and FIAPF (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films) settled on a framework agreement for voluntary deposit of films in film preservation archives. Both parties recognized the need to substitute the FIAPF contract of 1971 and to adapt it to the needs of a digital environment. Since 2005 numerous draft versions have been discussed and revised - temporarily under the moderation of the European Commission - until the members of both organisations approved the final version at their General Assemblies in May respectively July 2009. The actual framework agreement is not binding but should serve as a rule for both parties. It regulates the conditions of deposit, the responsibilities for preservation and restoration, the modalities of access and use of the material by the archive and the rights holder. Compared to the 1971 contract, main achievements for film archives are e. g. online access for authorized users (view only) and screenings on the premises without payment of royalties, provided there is no financial profit for the archive.

The framework agreement is available at www.acefilm.de

National Library of Norway/Photographer: Ketil Born