The Film and Video Archives of the United Nations provides over 60 years worth of historical film and video materials for use in news, documentaries and other productions related to the aims of the United Nations.
In 2004, the International Documentary Association (IDA), granted the UN Film and Video Archives with their annual Preservation and Scholarship Award.
Services are provided mainly to broadcasters and independent producers working for broadcast companies or networks.
The holdings include UNTV coverage, finished programmes and raw footage from field operations.
Among the major archival groups and series are:
- the League of Nations and the restored film coverage of the work of UNRRA
- the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration in Europe (1945-1947)
- the Security Council and General Assembly meetings and special events, selected international conferences and press conference
- raw footage of worldwide UN field activities covering development issues and peace-keeping missions, among other topics
- various thematic and historical compilations
Card catalogues (1945-1986) and various databases (1987- present) are available to researchers. Services include research, screening and duplication. Nominal service fees and royalty fees are charged. Duplications are limited to Betacam and DVC-PRO on NTSC only. VHS are available on NTSC and PAL. Standard conversions (PAL, SECAM), and film transfers are referred to external laboratories at the requester's expense. Messenger and shipping costs are also borne by the requester.
Multimedia Resources Unit
Film and Video Library
Department of Public Information
Room NL-2056/NL-2058-L
United Nations, NY 10017
FAX: (212) 963-4501
E-mail: video-library@un.org