Scratches and Glitches (Observations on Preserving and Exhibiting Cinema in the Early 21st Century)

A quick succession of changes – some entirely expected, some less so – has drastically reshaped the domain of preserving and exhibiting film heritage in the first two decades of the 21st century. Film production, exhibition, restoration and reflection became predominantly, almost exclusively digital affairs. Professional profiles became obsolete and new ones have emerged. Other forms of art and entertainment took the center stage of collective dreams and discussions. The principles of curatorship clashed with the idea of access. Streaming took over the world as the predominant way of experiencing moving images and private space trumped public space as the primary site of these experiences. Scratches and Glitches is a collection of essays that attempt to make sense of these changes-in-progress in the wider context of cultural history, focusing on the responsibility of film archives and museums, guardians of film heritage.