FIAT/IFTA World Conference 2025

The presentation is built upon the groundwork laid in my previous year's talk. In 2024, I presented the initial phase of my doctorate’s thesis, which explored the migration of audiovisual documents to the cloud, using Rede Globo of Brazil as a specific case study. This current presentation turns its attention to the second part of my research: the environmental ramifications of choosing cloud infrastructure.

Drawing upon the insights of Bindhu and Vijesh (2019) in their work on mitigating the environmental impact of cloud technologies, the concern regarding the ecological cost of computing initially focused on diminishing energy consumption. However, contemporary understanding - shaped by technological progress - emphasizes the efficient utilization of computers and associated technologies while prioritizing environmental stewardship. The adoption of virtual computers and the transition towards Nano Data Centers should yield an energy expenditure reduction of up to 30% when compared to traditional data center models.

The increasing global environmental consciousness, coupled with more stringent regulatory frameworks and the potential for significant cost savings, has spurred considerable efforts to minimize the ecological footprint of the entire information technology ecosystem vital for modern business operations. Cloud computing has emerged as a compelling solution to these aspirations, giving rise to the concept of 'green clouding'. However, it's important to acknowledge that the energy consumption associated with machine learning processes, the development, and the application of artificial intelligence can be considerable. To investigate this topic in a practical context, I will once again analyze the case of Rede Globo, specifically through the lens of their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reports, alongside those of Google Cloud, the cloud platform utilized by Globo.

This presentation aims to discuss the ongoing National Research Project funded by the European Union SAFE (the SustainAbility of italian Film hEritage: archival infrastructures, digital preservation, and stewardship Strategies) and its outcomes. The non-theatrical Italian film archive community is daily engaged in dealing with highly complex and internally diverse issues: on the one hand, aligned to international standards or part of recognised federations, on the other and not infrequently on the fringes of institutional, legislative and governmental procedures and frameworks.  

To adequately explore the main research questions around three axes - archival infrastructures, digital preservation, and stewardship strategies -, the methodological framework for this research draws on three key areas of study: critical infrastructure along with archival and museum studies; digital film and critical digital humanities; and media archaeology combined with media sustainability. SAFE is carrying out three macro-actions of applied research: monitoring and analysing the infrastructural sustainability of preservation centres; surveying digital preservation practices and protocols, collecting and sharing stewardship strategies. A digital atlas addresses these intentions, being a tool derived from the digital humanities’ methodological framework through data visualization. Such exchanges are crucial for building a resilient and sustainable future for film heritage.

Beyond technical solutions, the SAFE initiative emphasizes the role of archives in fostering cultural memory and community engagement. By addressing environmental, cultural, and ethical dimensions, the project offers a holistic approach to the challenges of the digital age. Its outcomes will not only benefit Italian film archives but also contribute to global efforts to safeguard cultural heritage in an era of rapid technological and ecological change.

AVI - Italian Association of Video Libraries and Media Libraries was born out of an unexpected event, and accidents can sometimes turn into ‘opportunities’.

Founded as an Association on October 24, 2001, in Cesena, its primary goal was to offer legal guidance on issues related to audiovisual materials management.

Today, AVI represents over 300 Italian audiovisual archives and serves as a key representative body in the cultural, scientific, technical, legal, and legislative fields, advocating for the organization of services and documentation in institutions preserving invaluable cultural heritage.

AVI has supported affiliated public and private institutions through workshops and meetings on topics like conservation, access to collections, and copyright. The evolving nature of copyright remains a challenge due to changes in audiovisual production and distribution, which have expanded access and platforms.

This revolution has pointed out challenges in preserving audiovisual works, particularly in locating both current and past Home Video editions, for which AVI organizes an annual award for the best national and international releases.

These issues, along with the need for professional development have been highlighted to both the public and industry experts. Since 2017 AVI has organized discussions at the annual Convegno delle Stelline - Biblioteche.

What goals does AVI set for the future?

- Encouraging digital lending;
- Promoting specific licenses for multi-subject screenings;
- Building new partnerships;
- Discussions with home video producers for usage licenses;
- Cataloging archives to increase collection visibility;
- Training and updates.

AVI’s connection with institutions such as RAI Teche, Mediaset, RSI, Cineteca di Bologna, Istituto Centrale per i Beni Sonori e Audiovisivi, Archivio Luce/Cinecittà, Museo del cinema di Torino, Images en bibliothèque will undoubtedly play a role in safeguarding audiovisual culture from a contemporary perspective.