So here's the deal: The Film-makers' Coop is being evicted from the space where they have had their archive and their offices for about nine years for the sake of a new project headed by one Alanna Heiss, who just plain doesn't seem to get that kicking these guys out is a move that could bring an end to this organization. As of now, they don't have the funding they would need to support relocating thousands of 16mm prints and a massive paper archive. Articles about the situation are here, here, and here.

At this time the Film-makers' Coop is often the only resource available for exhibitors in need of prints of rare independent works, or for independent filmmakers in need of some form of distribution. As at least one of the articles mentions, in some cases the Coop possesses the only known copy of a film. Losing this resource would be a massive blow to organizations like TIE, who rented films from them for their 2008 fundraising event, and also any museums wanting to expose the public to alternate cinemas.

Here's the part that requires effort on our part: going to this page and sending a message to NY Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin asking for support for the Coop, either in remaining where they are or in moving to another location. Even if you're not into experimental film, think of the potential loss in terms of art history. No way should we lose this collection just because some nitwit wanted to start an online radio station.

Please spread the word to your flists and to any relevant communities, too.

The folks over at Berkeley have just digitized the only known footage of Mark Twain, shot sometime between 1900 and 1910. See him toddling around in a stately manner! Thrill as he eats breakfast! Squint at the sadly unrestored film!

No, but seriously, this is pretty much awesome.

THEY FOUND THE MISSING BITS OF METROPOLIS

The account is confirmed by Martin Koerber, a curator in Berlin, who posted a response on the AMIA listserv after someone asked whether the article (and this second article) was a hoax. According to Koerber, one scene (the monk in the cathedral) remains missing due to excessive damage (it was on the end of a reel, and got badly torn), but holy crap YEY. And yeah, the refound footage isn't in the best of shape, but considering the fact that no one really expected that it would ever be found at all...holy poo. I is a happy Spoofie.

(besides being a very significant film of the late silent era, Metropolis was the first silent non-comedy I ever saw. I view it as one of those films that helped me realize what I wanted to do with my life)

I is going to be cheerful at work today.

ETA: More news sources confirming the story:

Variety

Reuters

The Guardian

AFP

Ahh, the awesomeness of being a lurker on an archivist listserv.