TODAY
Friday April 29, 2005

IF you have any films or footage shot in Singapore or made by Singaporean filmmakers from the 1930s till today, the Asian Film Archive (AFA) wants them.

The AFA is a private initiative that wants to preserve Singapore's film culture for future generations.

It has just launched the Reel Emergency Project, which aims to collect films and store them in an online database that is accessible to members of the public.

The National Archives of Singapore is supporting the AFA by providing its expertise on the archiving process.

For film submissions to the Reel Emergency Project, there are plans to compile 10 of the best titles into a DVD.

"The Reel Emergency Project is our commitment to nurturing and supporting the local film community," said Tan Bee Thiam, executive director of the AFA.

"Through this project, we hope to discover once-forgotten film treasures and new talent; provide an avenue where film-makers can preserve their works for posterity and encourage budding filmmakers to make films and contribute to the film heritage of Singapore."

If you would like to submit a film for the project, or support the AFA with a monetary contribution or by volunteering your time, email bthiam@asianfilmarchive.org.

More details about the AFA and its projects are available at its website at www.asianfilmarchive.org.