Frequently Asked Questions – Collections & Preservation

What is the ACMI Collection?

The ACMI Collection comprises a wide range of screen culture material including films, TV, videogames and commissioned works, which have been acquired and catalogued since the 1940s.

Is everything in the ACMI Collection available to view online?

Not yet, but we're always working on making our collection more discoverable. The ACMI Collection is big so moving everything online takes time. We're progressively digitising priority materials and continually making more materials available online, subject to rights holder approval.

How can I view digitised film and video materials in the ACMI Collection?

You can watch many digitised films and videos online through the ACMI Collection pages and ACMI Collection YouTube channel. Additional collection materials are also available via the ACMI website when you visit our museum and connect to our Wi-Fi on your device.

Can I view a film or video that has not been digitised and is there a fee involved?

To preserve fragile materials, access to original film and video is limited. Researchers and those with permission from rightsholders can request digitisation of these materials for viewing as a paid service.

For more information, please visit our Collections Access page.

Can I donate something to the ACMI Collection?

While we appreciate your generosity, ACMI only accepts donations on a limited basis. Before accepting a donation, our team assess it in accordance with the acquisition criteria outlined in our Collection Strategy 2024–2029.

To learn more, please visit the Donate to the ACMI Collection page.

Please note: The ACMI team is unable to accept any unsolicited materials or material under assessment that are delivered via post, courier and/or in-person under any circumstances. If ACMI accepts your donation offer, transport arrangements will be made for your materials.

Can I use footage from an ACMI Collection film or video in a film I'm making?

Many ACMI Collection materials are rights controlled by third parties. To access footage, you must provide evidence of permissions granted by rights holders. If the material is in an analogue format, digitisation may also be required.

For more information, please visit our Collections Access page.

Can I borrow ACMI Collection material for an exhibition or screening?

Yes, ACMI offers a paid loan service for a range of collection materials. Approval of your request depends on the item’s condition, ACMI’s programming needs, and, in some cases, permission from the artist/s, community and/or rights holder.

For more details, visit our Collections Access page.

Can ACMI assist me contact a rightsholder?

Many ACMI Collection materials contain rights controlled by third parties, and ACMI rarely holds up to date contact details for these rights holders unless the materials ACMI holds were donated by them or acquired from them. There are a range of industry specific directories available online to assist contact with rightsholders, for example Screen Australia Screen Guide and Trove.

Can I obtain/buy a copy of a film or video from the ACMI Collection for personal use?

To learn how to access our collection, please visit the Collections Access page. ACMI does not distribute or sell copies of collection materials for personal use.

Can ACMI digitise or migrate my material?

No, ACMI does not offer digitisation or format migration services. There are a range of commercial services available online and Australia-wide.

I am a rightsholder of material in ACMI’s Collection. How can I help provide online access to the public?

ACMI encourages rights holders to reach out if they would like to improve or restrict public access to collection materials.

Please email enquiries to Collections.Access@acmi.net.au.

I have noticed information on a works page that I believe is incorrect. Can this be amended?

The ACMI Collection includes screen culture materials acquired and catalogued since the 1940s. As a result, some works pages on our website may contain material that may be considered outdated, offensive and triggering for some people. Due to evolving data standards, there may also be missing or incomplete information. We are actively working to identify and address these issues.

If you have concerns about the information on a works page, please contact Collection.Access@acmi.net.au.