The Thai Film Archive is devoted to its mission to collect and preserve films, audiovisual, and related materials from its national heritage. It facilitates research and builds knowledge on cinema and other related subjects. The Thai Film Archive has a growing collection comprising, currently, of over 50,000 newsreels, 8,000 documentary and nonfiction films, 1,500 Thai feature films, and more than 100,000 tapes. The collection also has over 30,000 film-related materials.
The Thai Film Archive screens films regularly at its cinematheque. It also houses a book library and a mediatheque, organises exhibitions, lectures, and tours at its museum (the Thai Film Museum and Maya City) as part of its public service toward education and research.
The Thai Film Archive began as a small unit within the Department of Fine Arts under the Ministry of Culture. Its initial mission was to collect and preserve film materials that were at risk of deterioration or loss. At the time, the focus was limited to saving physical reels of old Thai films and documenting their significance. Becoming an Independent Institution (1998), In recognition of the importance of film preservation, the Thai Film Archive was established as an independent organization. It gained autonomy, enabling it to expand its efforts in preservation, restoration, and promotion of Thai cinema.
The Thai Film Archive is based in Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, near Bangkok. It is easily accessible and welcomes visitors interested in exploring Thai cinema's rich history. The Thai Film Archive has a rich history rooted in the recognition of cinema as a vital part of Thailand's cultural heritage. Its journey reflects the evolution of Thailand's approach to preserving and celebrating its film legacy.
Key Roles and Objectives
Preservation and Restoration: (1) The archive collects and restores films, ensuring that classic and significant Thai movies are not lost to time. (2) It also preserves associated materials, such as scripts, posters, photographs, and equipment, to provide a holistic view of Thai cinema's history.
Promotion of Film Culture: (1) Organizes screenings, exhibitions, and educational programs to cultivate an appreciation for cinema among the public. (2) Offers workshops and events to teach filmmaking techniques and the importance of film preservation.
Research and Documentation: (1) Acts as a resource hub for researchers, filmmakers, and enthusiasts seeking information on Thai cinema. (2) Provides access to its archives for academic and artistic purposes.
Global Collaboration: (1) Partners with international film archives and organizations to exchange knowledge and share resources. (2) Participates in global initiatives for film preservation and restoration.
Cultural and Historical Role
The Thai Film Archive doesn’t only preserve films; it plays a critical role in documenting Thailand's social, cultural, and political history through cinema. Films reflect the societal values, struggles, and aspirations of the time in which they were made, making them invaluable historical artifacts.
Preservation of Thai Identity: The Archive has preserved films depicting traditional Thai customs, lifestyles, and folklore, ensuring that future generations can witness and understand their cultural roots.
Educational Outreach: By organizing screenings, exhibitions, and workshops, the Archive educates the public about Thailand’s cinematic journey and its broader cultural implications.
Support for Modern Cinema: It bridges the gap between traditional Thai cinema and contemporary filmmaking, supporting young filmmakers and promoting innovation while honoring the past.
Modern Contributions
Today, the Thai Film Archive is internationally recognized as a leader in film preservation and an advocate for the power of cinema as a cultural force. It continues to:
Restore and digitize rare and significant films.
Host annual film festivals and retrospectives celebrating both classic and modern Thai films.
Partner with global institutions like the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) to advance preservation techniques.
The National Film Heritage Registry of Thailand
Further Reading
The Unwritten Record ; The Unwritten Record is the National Archives and Records Administration’s blog dedicated to special media holdings. The blog features information on fascinating finds, new accessions, preservation projects, and rediscoveries across the agency’s non-textual holdings.
The blog is managed by the Special Media Records Division, which accessions, preserves, and provides access to millions of non-textual records, including analog and digital photographs, posters, motion picture film, video, audio recordings, maps, charts, architectural and engineering drawings, patents, and ship plans.