The Women's Film Preservation Fund (WFPF) is the only program in the world that works to preserve the cultural legacy of women in the industry. It was founded in 1995 by NYWIFT in conjunction with the Museum of Modern Art.
Our mission
- To identify and preserve American films in which women have played a significant creative role
- To present these restored films publicly as a way to increase awareness of women's contribution to the medium and the importance of film preservation
- To contribute to enhanced knowledge of the important role of women in film history
- To work with organizations with similar goals, sharing resources and information
The WFPF is funded, in part, by:
Since its inception, the WFPF has provided financial support for presentation of over 80 short and feature films.
WFPF awards cash grants, as well as in-kind post-production services generously provided by Cineric, Inc. to preserve or restore films in which women have played a significant creative role.
We are committed to restoring and preserving films and footage that represent diverse voices, visions, and techniques regardless of vintage. Genres include silent and early color films, experimental and independent films, and political and social documentaries.
WFPF also preserves "orphan films" — forgotten or neglected films that have no clear copyright holder — obscuring the responsibility for preservation.
Individuals and not-for-profit organizations (film archives, educational institutions, media arts centers) are eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000.
Grants are awarded annually. Application submissions are due in the fall. (See WFPF Grant Guidelines & Online Application
Deadline: November 30, 2010)
A panel of professional filmmakers, film historians, preservationists, curators, and educators reviews all applications and their selections are announced the following spring.
Be a Part of This Important Work
Thanks to our successes, the Women's Film Preservation Fund is growing in both scope and ambition. We need active members who want to continue this important work. We welcome all areas of expertise and enthusiasm. If you are interested in being a member of our committee, please contact us at greenly@earthlink.net.
The Legacy of Women Filmmakers
Women were part of the film industry from its inception, working on both coasts as directors, producers, and studio heads, as well as actors. It's a little know fact that Alice Guy-Blaché is considered one of the first people — male or female — to direct a narrative film.
WFPF helped to preserve two of her shorts,
Matrimony's Speed Limit and
A House Divided (1913) as part of its inaugural project. Throughout her prolific career, she produced more than 300 films some of which were made at her studio in Fort Lee, NJ.
Our other inaugural project was the preservation of two films by Lois Weber, the 1913 short
How Men Propose and the 1921 feature
Too Wise Wives.
There isn't enough money to save all the films that are in danger of being lost. Film archives, museums, and educational educations have to make difficult decisions, which films will and will not be saved.
WFPF exists to make sure that films by women are included in those that are preserved for posterity.
