Home Movie Day

August 11, 2007

Maine Historical Society

489 Congress Street

Portland, Maine

Home Movie Day, a worldwide celebration of amateur film, marks its fifth anniversary on August 11. Each year, more international cities participate in the event, and for the third year, Northeast Historic Film will present Home Movie Day in collaboration with the Maine Historical Society in Portland. Home Movie Day shows how personal and family films offer a unique view of decades past, and are an essential part of cultural history. A number of amateur films have been selected by the Library of Congress National Film Registry, including the most famous home movie ever made, Abraham Zapruder's document of the JFK assassination.

 

Less dramatically, amateur moviemakers capture a unique view of a particular time and place -- something as simple and bittersweet as how a downtown street may have changed over the decades. Home Movie Day aspires to get these films out of the closet and transcend their insular reputation, and show how much fun they really can be. This is an opportunity for the public ? who may have home movies they haven't seen in the last 20 to 80 years ? to bring them to this informal screening, where Northeast Historic Film's staff will help assess their condition, give tips on long-term film care, and even project a reel or two for all to enjoy. The event at the Maine Historical Society will be equipped to handle 8mm, Super-8 and 16mm film and the open screening will maintain a rotation that's fair to all participants. Admission is free, and folks can drop in with or without films any time during the afternoon.

For additional information, contact sean@oldfilm.org or call 207-469-0924.

 http://www.homemovieday.com

National Film Preservation Foundation Grant

June, 2007

Northeast Historic Film has been awarded an $8,460 cash grant by the National Film Preservation Foundation to preserve the 1946 agricultural title, "Trail to Better Dairying." The film, from NHF's Hancock County Extension Collection, chronicles 4-H Clubbers in action, with tips on dairy cow care and views of downtown Ellsworth and the Blue Hill Fair. What makes the project such an intriguing preservation challenge is the accompanying soundtrack on five 78rpm lacquer discs. After much consideration on the most appropriate method, it was decided to be true to the original reversal film elements, producing a silent 16mm internegative and answer print. The audio restoration will be conducted independently, with new video masters and access copies containing both the picture and sound in synchronization.

Alamo Theatre Façade Renovation Fund Drive

June, 2007

Many people cherish the 1916 brick building Northeast Historic Film has called home since 1992.  For over 90 years the Alamo Theatre has been an anchor for the downtown Bucksport business district and is one of the oldest purpose-built movie theaters still operating in Maine. It is a great home to our cinema and archives, but at four score and ten years our Main Street façade is a hazard and faces an immediate rebuilding and repointing. The mortar has crumbled, bricks have loosened and the parapet is held from tumbling on passersby with a temporary structure.

Thanks to the help of our friends and neighbors, represented by 21 states, 52 Maine towns and two countries, we have successfully raised the money we need to keep the the Maine Community Enterprise grant awarded by the Town of Bucksport. Because of this support and a $20,000 gift from the Davis Family Foundation, NHF has been able to make a commitment to the masonry contractors and work will begin by the end of the summer to repair the tattered facade.

Leadership gifts of at least $100 will be commemorated with the donor's name or message etched on a brick installed on the Main Street masonry.  Donors will be sent a proof of their brick message and will have the opportunity to revise it within the next few weeks.

Northeast Historic Film thanks everyone who donated money for the Alamo Theatre renovation.  Your kindness and generosity has been overwhelming.

Grant from Bangor Savings Bank Foundation

February, 2007

NHF recently received a $2,500 grant from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation towards replacing and upgrading its film transfer equipment.

“We will now be able to deliver high-quality copies in new formats, including digital files for computer and Internet use.  Such upgrades are essential for allowing Maine people to fully access their history and heritage as recorded on moving images,” said Sean Savage, NHF’s Technical Services Director.

Executive Director David Weiss added, “The equipment purchased with the support of The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation will enable us to offer more formats to reach more people and do a better job of fulfilling our mission. This new capability will lead directly to more historic Maine footage being available by DVD, the internet and through broadcast.”

“This grant award from our Foundation to Northeast Historic Film signifies our commitment to Maine communities in supporting initiatives that advance community development and education through the dissemination of information,” said Jim Conlon, Bank President and CEO.

Maine Film Academy Honors NHF

February, 2007

Northeast Historic Film received the award for Best Artistic Direction at the third annual Maine Film Academy Awards Gala on Saturday, February 24 at the CMP Building in downtown Waterville. The award honors an organization or company in the state of Maine making significant contributions in the area of film exhibition.

Cineric Preserves Mission: Alpha Centauri

October, 2006

Alamo Theatre Unveils New Marquee

July, 2006

Senator Collins Praises NHF

June, 2006

Senator Susan Collins congratulates Northeast Historic Film on its 20th anniversary. 

Read the letter (PDF, 243 KB)