The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia is the nation’s living archive – collecting, preserving and sharing our rich audiovisual heritage.

The national audiovisual collection holds more than 2.16 million works.

The collection includes films, television and radio programs, videos, audio tapes, records, compact discs, phonograph cylinders and wire recordings. It also encompasses documents and artefacts such as photographs, posters, lobby cards, publicity items, scripts, costumes, props, memorabilia, oral histories, and vintage equipment.

The NFSA aims to develop a collection that has enduring cultural significance. Our curatorial staff guide the acquisition of new material, and the way it is documented and presented.

To safeguard the collection and slow the deterioration of media such as film and magnetic tape, items are carefully packaged and stored in secure climate-controlled vaults in the Canberra suburb of Mitchell.

The NFSA is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in active audiovisual preservation – we undertake delicate processes to restore and preserve original material or make the best copies possible. Our technical facilities are state of the art and our expertise has earned us widespread recognition.

The NFSA aims to develop interest in the cultural richness and diversity of our audiovisual heritage in all its forms by sharing the collection. We offer a range of ways for people to view, listen to, study, use and enjoy material from the collection as well as from other archives and cultural institutions around the world.

You can search the collection directly online for information about works and their availability for viewing, listening or use. Experienced reference staff can provide assistance in finding material for professional and personal research, screening, broadcast and the production of new programs. The australianscreen website provides worldwide online access to information about the Australian film and television industry.

The NFSA also presents innovative education and public programs such as exhibitions, events, performance works and screenings at its Canberra headquarters.