forbes.com
MoMA's To Save and Project Film Festival Showcases 25+ Restored Films
MoMA's 21st To Save and Project film festival, running January 9-30, 2025, will showcase over 25 newly restored films, including premiere presentations of upgraded restorations of Frank Borzage's 7th Heaven (1927) and a work-in-progress reconstruction of Charles Chaplin's Shoulder Arms (1918), alongside several major rediscoveries and international restorations.
- What is the main focus and global significance of MoMA's To Save and Project film festival?
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) will hold its 21st annual To Save and Project film preservation festival from January 9-30, 2025, showcasing over 25 newly preserved or restored films. The festival opens and closes with restored versions of Frank Borzage's 7th Heaven (1927) and Charles Chaplin's Shoulder Arms (1918), respectively. This event highlights MoMA's commitment to film preservation and offers rare opportunities to view significant cinematic works.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of this festival on film preservation and cinematic studies?
- The festival's focus on silent films, with live piano accompaniment, offers a unique cinematic experience. The inclusion of diverse international works such as Vichit Kounavudhi's Dear Wife (1978) and Stars in Broad Daylight (1988) broadens perspectives on film history and cultural representation. The presence of filmmaker André Bonzel and Heather McAdams further enriches the program, offering insights into the creative process and preservation challenges. This event is expected to attract film enthusiasts and scholars worldwide, underscoring the continuing relevance of film history and the crucial role of institutions like MoMA.
- How does the festival's program demonstrate the importance of international collaboration in film preservation?
- This festival emphasizes the importance of film restoration and preservation, showcasing both well-known classics and rediscovered films. The inclusion of films like Yevgeny Chervyakov's My Son (1928) and Robert Wiene's Raskolnikow (1923) demonstrates the global scope of MoMA's efforts and the importance of international collaboration in preserving cinematic history. The event also features newly restored works from various archives and studios, showcasing a wide range of genres and styles.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the restoration premieres of 7th Heaven and Shoulder Arms, placing them as the central focus of the festival description. This prioritization might overshadow other significant films and events in the festival, potentially misrepresenting its diversity.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. Terms like "long-lost," "major rediscoveries," and "classic" carry some positive connotation, but are generally appropriate within the context of a festival announcement. However, phrases such as "anarchic spirit" when describing Chaplin's film could be considered slightly subjective.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the restored films and their historical context, with less emphasis on the broader programming of the festival. While mentioning international films, it lacks detailed information on their specific content or significance, potentially omitting important cultural perspectives. The description of Heather McAdams's work is also quite brief, possibly underrepresenting her contributions.
Gender Bias
The description mentions Janet Gaynor's appearance as a "Parisian street urchin" which could be considered focusing unnecessarily on personal details related to appearance. However, this is balanced somewhat by the detailed discussion of Chaplin's work and the inclusion of Heather McAdams, a female filmmaker, as a significant participant. More information on the gender balance of the films screened would be needed for a fuller assessment.
Sustainable Development Goals
The festival's focus on film preservation and restoration directly contributes to preserving cultural heritage and promoting film literacy, which are indirectly related to quality education. By showcasing films from various eras and cultures, the festival enriches viewers' understanding of history, art, and different societies, thus fostering cultural awareness and education.