Museum
Romanian National Film Archive
Romanian National Film Archive is a museum.
About Romanian National Film Archive
Overview & Identity
The Arhiva Națională de Filme (ANF), also known as the Romanian Cinematheque, is a public institution of national interest located in Bucharest, Romania. Established as the sole entity in the country dedicated to the non-commercial collection, preservation, and utilization of film, it operates with legal personality under Government Decision HG 1063/2005. The archive serves as the central repository for Romania's cinematic heritage, responsible for the inventory, research, collection, conservation, restoration, and valorization of film assets. It actively promotes film culture through its two dedicated cinema halls and maintains membership in major international bodies, including the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) and the Association of European Film Archives and Cinematheques (ACE).
History & Founding
The institution was founded on July 4, 1957, under the original name Arhiva Națională de Filme Cinematografice (ANFC), operating under the subordination of the Ministry of Education and Culture. Its initial mandate, defined by ministerial order, included collecting, classifying, and preserving films and related materials, facilitating international exchanges, and providing research materials to scholars and studios. The archive's first headquarters were located on M. Kogălniceanu Street in the building of the former Association of Filmmakers (ACIN). In 1959, it joined FIAF as a provisional member, achieving full membership in 1960. The archive also initiated the 'Friends of the Film' cultural screenings in 1962 and formally launched its Cinematheque activities in September 1964 with a repertoire of classic films aimed at educating a specialized audience.
Facilities & Architecture
The ANF operates two art cinemas in Bucharest dedicated to cinematheque activities: the Eforie cinema (named after Jean Georgescu) and the Union cinema (named after Paul Călinescu). Beyond exhibition spaces, the institution maintains specialized laboratories for cleaning, processing, and duplicating films. Since 1999, the archive has been equipped with telecine technology, enabling it to duplicate films and provide technical services. While the original headquarters were on M. Kogălniceanu Street, the current administrative and storage facilities are part of its expanded infrastructure in Bucharest, supporting its dual role as a preservation center and a cultural venue for public screenings.
Collection Highlights & Notable Holdings
The archive's holdings are extensive, comprising 45,570 film titles stored across 372,061 reels. In addition to the moving image collection, the ANF maintains a significant library containing over 8,000 books, approximately 300,000 photographs, 20,000 posters, magazines, and scripts. The collection includes both Romanian and foreign films, with a specific focus on preserving the history of Romanian cinema. Notable research outputs derived from these holdings include the 'Annotated Filmography of the Romanian Newsreel' (1930-1948) and the 'Annotated Filmography of Romanian Cinematographic Production' (1897-1930), which were produced by a commission established in 1965 involving the archive, the Institute of Art, and the National University of Theatre and Film.
Significance & International Role
As the only institution in Romania dedicated to non-commercial film preservation, the ANF plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation's audiovisual memory. Its early adoption of international standards, evidenced by joining FIAF in 1959 and ACE in 1996, underscores its commitment to global archival practices. The archive has been instrumental in organizing major international events, such as the 28th FIAF Congress held in Bucharest in 1972, which highlighted the intersection of film archives and historiographic research. Through its continuous efforts in cataloging, restoration, and public screening, the ANF ensures the accessibility of Romania's film history for scholars, filmmakers, and the general public.