Photo courtesy of the Cinémathèque royale de Belgique.

International Directory of Film-Related Collections

(aka Special Collections Directory)

The International Directory of Film-Related Collections and Libraries (also known as the Special Collections Directory) is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to mapping film-related archival holdings worldwide. Film archives and libraries not only preserve moving images, but also safeguard invaluable documentation such as screenplays, photographs, posters, sound recordings, and personal papers from key industry figures.

Building on decades of FIAF initiatives — dating back to the first directory published in 1976 and continuously updated until 2008 — this new database represents a significant next step. Launched in 2018 by the FIAF Cataloguing and Documentation Commission, it offers an accessible and user-friendly tool enabling students, researchers, and archivists to locate special collections and find out how to access them. By centralizing this information, the Directory enhances visibility and promotes the use of film heritage resources across institutions worldwide.

To browse the Directory, click “Search institutions” or “Search collections” below to display the relevant search bar.