Home Movie Day was started in 2002 by a
group of film archivists concerned about what would
happen to all the home movies shot on film during the 20th
century. They knew many people have boxes full of family
memories that they've never seen for lack of a projector,
or out of fear that the films were too fragile to be viewed.
They also knew that many people were having their amateur
films transferred to videotape or DVD, with the mistaken
idea that their new digital copies would last forever and
the "obsolete" films could be discarded. Original films
(and the equipment required to view them) can long outlast
any version on VHS tape, DVDs, or other digital media. Not
only that, but contrary to the stereotype of the faded,
scratched, and shaky home movie image, the original films
are often carefully shot in beautiful, vibrant color—which
may not be captured in a lower-resolution video transfer.
Home Movie Day has grown into a worldwide celebration of these amateur
films, during which people in cities and towns all over meet their local
film archivists, find out about 
the archival advantages of film over video and
digital media, and—most importantly—get to watch those old family films! Because
they are local events, Home Movie Day screenings can focus on family and community
histories in a meaningful way. They also present education and outreach opportunities
for local archivists, who can share information about the proper storage and care of
personal films, and how to plan for their future.
The
first Home Movie Day took place on August 16, 2003, and has been followed each year with successful events hosted by an increasing number of volunteers worldwide. Home Movie Day celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2012. Click here for a list of the local venues that will participate in 2012.
To
participate in Home Movie Day as a volunteer or local host,
see Get involved with HMD!
We also welcome cash or in-kind donations in support of
our efforts year-round—please see HMD
Sponsors for information about how you can help!
Home Movie Day is coordinated as a project
of the Center
for Home Movies, a registered 501(c)(3) public
benefit corporation.
