As most know, an Australian Government decision has brought the National Screen and Sound Archive and the Australian Film Commission together. The AFC Commission (effectively the Board of Directors) recently confirmed support for SEAPAVAA along the following lines.
The Archive will remain actively involved in SEAPAVAA. This will include ongoing support of its annual conference, including financial support to at least the existing level. The importance of the training and technical support is understood. The support which has been provided by the Archive in the past to SEAPAVAA and its members in its various forms will continue. Overall, the Archive will continue to play a leadership role within SEAPAVAA and within the region.
The Archive will continue to support SEAPAVAA’s broad approach to the issue of repatriation of moving image material. If the direct support of the office of the Chief Executive of the AFC can be of assistance to progress this issue then it will be provided.
The AFC will support any attempt to progress support for a SEAPAVAA training initiative through ASEAN. This could involve seeking the assistance of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs. The AFC already works closely with DFAT in a number of areas and in this instance there will be follow up on this project directly by the Chief Executive should this be of assistance.