Digital storage and conservation

Eye is internationally acclaimed for its commitment to the preservation of film heritage. Eye also plays a leading role in the digitization of its own collection. Eye has received international attention for its high-profile restorations of early films such as Beyond the Rocks and Signori Giurati, as well as the digitization of (for example) the Jean Desmet archive.

The restorers pay careful attention to vulnerable parts of the collection, for example nitrate film. This particular collection, from the first half of the 20th century, requires constant attention: the material is extremely flammable, which is why it is being transferred to new-media formats. The restorers also keep a close eye on the celluloid films: discoloration and acidification are a constant threat.

International awards

Eye is acclaimed for its technologically advanced restorations of classic films, as well as its restorations of experimental and silent films. Thanks to Eye’s efforts, films such as Beyond the Rocks (1922, with Rudolph Valentino and Gloria Swanson), J'accuse! (Abel Gance, 1919), and Wan Pipel (Pim de la Parra, 1976) have been given a second lease on life in the form of beautifully restored copies. Eye has won several international awards for its restoration work, including the Jean Mitry Award, the Film Preservation Honors, and the Prix Henri Langlois.