From iconic masterpieces to experimental works, you have access to a rich tapestry of visual storytelling through our film archives. Discover rare and historically significant films, explore the works of influential directors and gain insights into the social, cultural and artistic movements that have shaped the world of cinema.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own creative endeavors or simply looking to deepen your appreciation for the art of film, the UWM Libraries Cinema Arts Archive and the Adoor Gopalakrishnan Film Archive & Research Center invite you to embark on a captivating journey through the history of motion pictures.
UWM Libraries Cinema Arts Archive
Location: Golda Meir Library, Reserve Section: East Wing | 2311 E. Hartford Ave.
Hours: Visit UWM Libraries for hours
In 1986 the UWM Libraries and Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres embarked upon a common project. Realizing many important works in the history of experimental film were being neglected by libraries, they set about to create a living archive, a collection that would both chart the development of independent expression in film and also provide a working resource for teachers and students.
The UWM Cinema Archive now contains 200+ essential works from the history of experimental cinema. Some are Soviet classics such as Dziga Vertov’s Man with a Movie Camera; others are groundbreaking works, like Robert Nelson’s The Great Blondino – a film synonymous with the development of the New American Cinema movement of the early 1960’s. Independent African-American films, such as Charles Burnett’s early masterpiece, Killer of Sheep, and younger filmmakers’ work can also be found here, thus representing a commitment to the present and future of the medium in addition to its past.
Films are screened publicly in the Film, Video, Animation & New Genres cinemas. Great care is taken with each, having no more than two screenings per year. The archive grows by about 10 films per year and will soon be one of the largest collections of independent film in the world. VHS copies of most films are available from the Media Services window for students to view and study.
Adoor Gopalakrishnan
Film Archive & Research Center
Location: Golda Meir Library W312 | 2311 E. Hartford Ave.
Hours: Visit UWM Libraries for hours
The Adoor Gopalakrishnan Film Archive & Research Center honors the legacy of internationally celebrated filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Committed to preserving and promoting the films of Adoor Gopalakrishnan, it also encourages and supports students to create new films in the spirit of the filmmaker.
The Center also encourages and provides financial support to students in the Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres in order to study Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s cinema or other Indian films like his, and to create new films in the filmmaker’s spirit: innovative, bold, uncompromising expressions that are engaged in critical conversations with the world.
Go Behind the Scenes with Us
As an arts school, we take campus tours one step further by offering on-the-go information sessions designed for creative minds. Go behind the scenes with one of our arts ambassadors and learn about our programs along the way.