Every year on October 27, the world observes the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, a global celebration established by UNESCO in 2005 to highlight the importance of preserving the world’s sound and moving image collections.
Every year on October 27, the world observes the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, a global celebration established by UNESCO in 2005 to highlight the importance of preserving the world’s sound and moving image collections.
October 27, 2025
Every year on October 27, the world observes the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, a global celebration established by UNESCO in 2005 to highlight the importance of preserving the world’s sound and moving image collections.
Audiovisual archives capture the sounds and images that define generations: the voices of historical figures, the first cinematic experiments, radio plays that entertained millions, and personal stories that shape cultural identity. Yet, much of this heritage is under threat—from decay, obsolescence, or neglect. This annual day not only raises awareness of preservation efforts but also celebrates the people and institutions dedicated to saving these irreplaceable treasures.
Across the globe, the day is marked by festivals, screenings, and exhibitions showcasing restored classics and rare footage. The UNESCO World Audiovisual Heritage Festival features film retrospectives and panel discussions on preservation technologies. In Paris, the Cinémathèque Française often hosts a week-long celebration of restored films, while the British Film Institute (BFI) in London screens archival documentaries and offers workshops on film restoration.
In Asia, the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) and the National Archives of Singapore hold public exhibitions and digital storytelling events. Meanwhile, New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) organizes open archives and special presentations to engage audiences in the magic of rediscovered footage.
The day also serves as a platform for the Coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations (CCAAA) to promote international collaboration in digitization, restoration, and accessibility. Each year’s theme encourages global participation, linking institutions, creators, and the public in a shared mission to protect cultural memory.
As we celebrate October 27, we are reminded that every preserved reel, recording, or digital file is a fragment of our story — one worth saving for the generations to come.
