Helen Hill film preservation project

Before we get sucked into planning and organizational activities for next year’s Home Movie Day on October 18, 2008, the Center for Home Movies will have a little bit of time to spend on other activities related to preserving the films we love. One of the projects we’re proud to be involved with in even the smallest way is the ongoing work on Helen Hill’s films. A selection of her amazing work will be preserved and new prints made for a special tribute screening at the Orphan Film Symposium in March of next year. This is thanks in part to a grant from the Maxine Greene Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 that supports “the creation of and informed appreciation of works that embody fresh social visions, that move people to perceive alternative possibilities for the making of humane communities.” Helen’s work was very much in keeping with this mission, and we’re especially glad to see a new grantmaker that is willing to fund film preservation work. The Orphan Film Symposium has also established a memorial award in Helen Hill’s name to sponsor a new filmmaker’s participation in the Symposium each year. Contributions to the fund are welcome, and will make a lasting contribution to the work of radically independent filmmakers of exceptional talent. If you’ve already made a donation to support Home Movie Day and the Center for Home Movies, but are still looking for a good film-related cause to send a few bucks to, here’s your chance! Mail checks (payable to: THE NICKELODEON THEATRE) to the attention of: Susan Courtney, Director Film Studies Program University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208