COUNCIL RESOLUTION of 5 November 1993 on the first century of the cinema (94/C 85/02)

THE COUNCIL,

Aware of the place which the cinema has occupied for a hundred years in our common cultural heritage and the importance of its influence on the development of other means of expression and communication both in the arts and in the media,

Aware of the fundamental role as a witness to the history of humankind which the cinema has played throughout that period,

Recognizes the importance of the cultural, technical and economic exchanges to which it has given rise in Europe,

Whereas the centenary of the invention of cinematography will be celebrated in the next few years,

AGREES, with a view to celebrating the centenary of cinema to:

- intensify action to restore films from the European heritage in the context of greater cooperation between Member States' archives, notably in the framework of the MEDIA programme (Lumière project),

- encourage the dissemination of this heritage in European festivals and cinemas as part of initiatives to highlight the importance of this heritage for the future of European cinema,

- promote awareness of the artistic movements in European cinema, its pioneers and its schools, in the interests of continuing dialogue with contemporary film-makers,

CALLS ON the Commission to participate in this campaign, in particular in liaison with the Council of Europe, by:

- continuing and expanding its activities to commemorate this centenary, particularly as part of its action in support of film festivals,

- helping to give maximum publicity to action taken in all Member States.