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This is a project about the 8mm film format. But 8mm is dead, you say? On the contrary! Not only is the format alive with innovation by filmmakers around the world, but hours and hours of Super 8 and regular 8mm film exist in attics and basements the world over—as home movies, educational films, works of art—that is slowly fading from the historical record.

We’re here to preserve that record before these films are lost, and to make those films available for viewing by the public and for use by artists seeking new, compelling footage. Lost in Light is a project devoted to preserving, showcasing, and celebrating films created on the small-gauge 8mm film format.

To that end, we will provide free Super 8 and 8mm to video transfers to anyone who asks, in exchange for posting their video to the Lost in Light site and on the Internet Archive with their choice of Creative
Commons licenses. In addition, Lost in Light will include articles and features by members of the filmmaking and film preservation communities, video tutorials for making 8mm films, as well as creative work, all with the goal of preserving and championing this important film format.

The site will have a soft launch with some content as soon as funding is available, with a full, hard launch set for January 2007.

Join us on this exciting visual journey through time and creativity!

Project Site: Lost In Light
Subscribe to the project.

A note from Markus Sandy, Lost In Light’s advocate:
I recently came across some old amusement park footage. It was a joy to discover. As a child, I had played at that very same seaside fun zone. The video triggered the recollection of so many memories that had somehow become buried over time. Without these archives, I can’t imagine how I would have ever recalled so many important details. It was truly a wonderful and astounding experience.

When Jen Proctor and Aaron Valdez first proposed their Lost In Light project, I immediately fell in love with the idea. Perhaps it’s because much of my own childhood was captured on 8MM. Perhaps it is the voyeuristic thrill of experiencing “other people’s memories” and a sense of “time travel”. Perhaps it is the community aspects around film preservation.

I just know that I love it and hope you will support this fine project that aims to both educate and preserve.

A note from Maria’s HMWV Advocate, Dave Huth:
As Maria’s advocate for this round of funding through Have Money Will Vlog, I’m amazed and proud of what can be accomplished by aggregated support from a network of regular people. Maria’s independent documentary project has been funded by the people who believe it’s interesting and important. Nobody had to drain their bank account. Nobody had to cut any deals with a corporation. And those of us tired of wasting money on an endlessly disappointing monthly cable bill have found another way to make personal media happen. THANK YOU to everyone who donated! Keep your eye on the videoblogging projects we promote through this site. We think you’ll find other ways to support the ongoing transformation of the world’s media conversation.

Project Site: colombiamigrationproject.net
Subscribe to Colombia Migration Project.