Celebrate International Home Movie Day Saturday, Oct. 18

Bring-your-own film event takes place 6 to 9 p.m.; event is free and open to the public

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — You are invited to celebrate home movies in Rochester on Saturday, Oct. 18, as part of the sixth annual International Home Movie Day, which takes place simultaneously in cities across the country and the world. This year's Rochester celebration takes place 6 to 9 p.m. at Visual Studies Workshop, in collaboration with George Eastman House. The event, which is free and open to the public, is dedicated to the viewing and preservation of home movies shot on film. You are welcome to share your own 16 mm, 8mm, or Super 8 home movies, which will be inspected by professional archivists and projected on the big screen for all to enjoy.

You may drop off your films in advance, for inspection and preparation, at Visual Studies Workshop (VSW), located at 31 Prince St. at the corner of University Avenue, between 5 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14 and Thursday, Oct. 16; from 10 a.m. to Noon Friday, Oct. 17; and from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. All films will be inspected on-site by Eastman House and VSW trained staff and all films will be returned. Films undergo inspection to determine if they are in good physical condition for projection. At least one film per participant will be screened.

Participants are invited to provide commentary about their films with the audience. "We encourage those attending to participate as much theyÕd like on Home Movie Day by narrating their home movies, bringing a favorite song to accompany a movie, or asking questions following a screening," said Pat Doyen of the George Eastman House Motion Picture Department, who is serving as event organizer.

Though video and digital recording now dominate the home-movie market, it is argued that these formats do not have the same quality as the old films you may have in your closet, attic, or basement. Home Movie Day events provide an opportunity for individuals and families to learn more about their own family movies, how to care for films, and how home movies have helped capture 20th century history. International Home Movie Day is coordinated under the auspices of the Center for Home Movies and grew out of the concerns held by film archivists for the fate of all the home movies shot on film during the 20th century. More than 50 cities take part in International Home Movie Day, in addition to events in Canada, Italy, England, and Japan.

Here's what Martin Scorsese has to say about International Home Movie Day:
"Saving our film heritage should not be limited only to commercially produced films. Home Movie Day is a celebration of these films and the people who shot them. This is a truly special way of celebrating this often over-looked area of our film history, and I congratulate George Eastman House for supporting this important initiative."

Those attending can learn tips about how to take care of their home movies. Admission and participation is free but donations will be accepted. For more information please call (585) 271-3361 ext. 240; email event organizer Pat Doyen at pdoyen@geh.org; or visit eastmanhouse.org or homemovieday.com.

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