THE GERALD MAST FILM ARCHIVE
The film archive began with an initial donation by author, film historian, and chair of UChicago’s Department of English Language and Literature Professor Gerald Mast. From Mast’s legacy gift of 300 titles, the collection has expanded to over 2500 prints in 35mm, 16mm, and small gauge formats. In 2000, the collection grew significantly when Jon and Cleo Sonneborne donated 750 film prints to the Center through a deed of gift to the University. Faculty research in early cinema lead to the acquisition of films from the Library of Congress Paper Print collection and Black Images collection. Additionally, preservation projects and print purchases have served to expand the breadth and scope of the holdings. Films are housed in the Center's onsite climate-controlled vault and cared for by the Center's professional staff.
STUDY COLLECTION
Made up of video, DVDs, Blu-rays, and laserdiscs, the study collection is designed to support student learning, classroom teaching, and independent research. Solidly representative of important film genres, directors, and movements, the collection offers patrons a pathway into the exploration of cinema and visual culture. It includes titles in silent film, classic Hollywood cinema, international art house cinema, documentary, experimental and avant-garde film, independent film, animation, and video art. Acquisitions are based on the criteria of Cinema and Media Studies courses and new titles are added throughout the year in response to faculty and student requests.
By visiting the FSC’s viewing rooms (Cobb 306), students can view access copies of titles assigned in their courses, faculty can borrow materials for curricular screenings, and individuals can engage in a course of personal study.