The AFI Catalog Unveiled
An authoritative compendium of American motion pictures, charting the evolution of cinema from its inception.
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About the Catalog
Purpose and Scope
The AFI Catalog of Feature Films, often referred to simply as the AFI Catalog, is a comprehensive and ongoing project undertaken by the American Film Institute (AFI). Its primary objective is to meticulously document every commercially produced and theatrically exhibited American motion picture, commencing from the nascent stages of cinema in 1893 through to the present day. This extensive catalog serves as a definitive resource for understanding the history and breadth of American filmmaking.
Detailed Entries
Each film entry within the AFI Catalog is designed to be rich in detail. It typically includes the film's title, a physical description, the production and distribution companies involved, precise production and release dates, comprehensive cast and production credits, a narrative plot summary, lists of song titles featured in the film, and historical notes pertinent to its creation and context. This level of detail ensures a thorough understanding of each cinematic work.
Indexing and Subjects
To facilitate research and discovery, the AFI Catalog employs a robust indexing system. Films are meticulously categorized and searchable by personal credits (actors, directors, writers, etc.), production and distribution companies, year of release, and major and minor plot subjects. This structured approach allows scholars, historians, and enthusiasts to navigate the vast collection efficiently and uncover specific cinematic information.
Historical Development
Genesis and Mandate
The foundation for the AFI Catalog was laid with the "National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965," signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This landmark legislation established the American Film Institute (AFI) alongside the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Recognizing the critical need for film preservation due to the lack of existing comprehensive listings, the Act mandated the AFI to create a definitive catalog of feature films, thereby safeguarding American cultural history from obscurity.
Launch and Early Publications
The AFI officially commenced operations in 1967, initiating the ambitious project to document the first century of American filmmaking. The initial research focused on the period between 1921 and 1930. The first major publication, The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures: Feature Films, 1911–1920, was released in 1971 by the University of California Press. This marked the beginning of a series of scholarly volumes that would meticulously record American cinematic output.
Transition to Digital
The print publication of the hardcover volumes, managed by the University of California Press, spanned from 1971 to 1993. However, budgetary constraints led to the suspension of new print volumes after F4 (covering 1941–1950) in 1997. Feature films released from 1951 onwards, and particularly the 1971–1993 period, have been cataloged primarily within the exclusively online database. This digital shift allows for continuous updates and broader accessibility.
Hardcover Publications
Documenting Cinematic History
The AFI Catalog initially manifested as a series of significant hardcover books published by the University of California Press. These volumes meticulously documented American feature films across various eras. While the print series has largely concluded, these foundational works remain invaluable resources for historical film research.
Cataloged Volumes
The following table outlines the published hardcover volumes of the AFI Catalog:
Cataloging Criteria
Defining Feature Films
For inclusion in the "Feature Films" volumes, a motion picture must meet specific criteria established by the AFI Catalog. It must have been commercially produced, either within the United States or by an American company. Furthermore, adhering to standards set by the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), the film must have received a theatrical release in 35 mm or larger gauge format to the general public. The minimum running time required is 40 minutes, or equivalently, a length of at least four film reels.
Early Cinema and Shorts
While the primary focus is on feature films, the AFI Catalog acknowledges the foundational period of cinema. It includes over 17,000 short films, defined as those less than 40 minutes or four reels, specifically from the initial era of filmmaking between 1893 and 1910. This ensures comprehensive coverage of the medium's earliest developments.
International Co-Productions
The catalog addresses the complexities of international film production. For the period of the 1960s, where co-productions between American and foreign companies were common, the volume Feature Films, 1961–1970 includes all feature films that received a theatrical release within the United States, regardless of their primary nationality. This approach ensures a complete record of films accessible to American audiences during that era.
The Online Database
Continuous Updates
The AFI Catalog has evolved into an exclusively online film database, serving as the primary platform for current and future cataloging efforts. The AFI editorial team continuously creates new records, adding them to the database each year. This dynamic approach ensures that the catalog remains a living repository of American cinema, reflecting its ongoing history.
Future Cataloging
The project's ambition extends beyond feature films. Future cataloging efforts are planned to encompass short films produced after 1910, as well as newsreels. This expansion aims to provide an even more comprehensive and detailed chronicle of American moving image history, covering a wider array of cinematic forms and genres.
Research and Input
Film school students are provided opportunities to contribute through plot synopses and original research. However, the cataloging process is primarily managed by the AFI editorial team, with input from experienced external film researchers not actively encouraged. It is noted that errors present in the print editions have sometimes been carried over to the online version, and there is currently no established mechanism for users to offer discussions or corrections.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from the Wikipedia article on the AFI Catalog of Feature Films, and may not be entirely exhaustive, current, or free from inaccuracies.
This is not professional archival or historical advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for consultation with professional film historians, archivists, or librarians. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the source material, users should always consult official AFI Catalog resources and academic databases for definitive research. The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.