FIAT/IFTA World Conference 2025

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.