Preserving and Sharing America’s Cinematic Heritage: Movie Poster Archives Launches Campaign 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[NEW ORLEANS, July 12, 2023] – Movie Poster Archives (MPA), the world’s leading institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of cinema art, is launching its highly-anticipated Campaign 2023. The local nonprofit has been at the forefront of archiving and preserving movie posters, an essential element of the film industry’s visual storytelling, since it began in New Orleans in 2016.
With the support of film and art enthusiasts, this campaign aims to secure vital resources to safeguard and share the invaluable cultural artifacts that represent this great American art form. Donor perks include a weekly drawing for a $50 gift certificate for MPA’s Gallery, an invitation to the opening reception for MPA’s Retro Film Festival in September, and free membership in Friends of the Archives with its Gallery discount.
“New Orleans has a rich film history with its own studio on Bayou St. John before the first studio opened in Hollywood and we want to keep the Archives here. A digital museum of films made in Louisiana is featured on our website”, says Linda Thurman, founder and executive director.
This unique collection of over three million artifacts showcases the evolution of cinema, from Vitascope Hall, the first movie theater in America which opened on Canal Street in 1898 to contemporary blockbusters. Chief Archivist Ed Poole, author of over 20 books on film history, says, “Our mission is to save these important historical documents before they’re gone forever.”
Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese, an ardent advocate for the preservation of cinematic history and inspiration for the Archives’ expanded efforts, states, “Our American artistic heritage has to be preserved and shared by all of us. We need to take pride in our cinema, our great American art form.” Movie Poster Archives plays a crucial role in safeguarding this legacy.
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says, “[T]he movie posters that chronicle the stories and artistry of our local filmmakers are invaluable treasures…By contributing to this organization, you would help sustain a permanent home for these remarkable artifacts here in Louisiana, ensuring their proper preservation and accessibility for generations to come and honor the remarkable contributions of our local filmmakers.”
To contribute to Campaign 2023 or learn more about Movie Poster Archives and its preservation efforts, please visit www.MoviePosterArchives.org or contact Executive Director Linda Thurman at linda@MoviePosterArchives.org.
About Movie Poster Archives: Movie Poster Archives is a leading nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and promotion of cinema’s paper legacy. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and digital accessibility, Movie Poster Archives strives to inspire and educate audiences worldwide about the unparalleled artistry of the film industry. The Gallery is located at 605 Lapalco Boulevard, Ste. M, Gretna, Louisiana 70056.
Press Contact:
Linda Thurman, Executive Director, Movie Poster Archives, linda@MoviePosterArchives.org, (225) 284-7271