The National Film and Sound Archive (commonly abbreviated NFSA and formerly known as ScreenSound Australia) is Australia’s principal repository for audiovisual heritage. It collects, preserves, documents and makes available moving image and recorded sound materials that reflect the nation’s cultural life. The Archive’s holdings span early experiments in recorded sound and cinema from the late 19th century through to contemporary film, television, radio and music production.

Collections and materials

The NFSA’s holdings cover a broad range of formats and related documentation. Typical categories include:

  • Feature films, short films and documentaries;
  • Television and radio broadcasts, program recordings and station archives;
  • Commercial and non‑commercial sound recordings, including music, oral histories and field recordings;
  • Related paper records and ephemera such as posters, scripts, production files and photographs;
  • Conservation copies, digital masters and preservation elements for long‑term safeguarding.

Information about specific parts of the collection and online catalogues can be found via the Archive’s official entry points: official site, collection search and catalogue access.

The institution began in 1935 as the National Historical Film and Speaking Record Library within the Commonwealth National Library. Over the decades it evolved in scope and function to become the country’s focused audiovisual archive. In 2008 it was established as an independent statutory authority, giving it formal responsibility for a national audiovisual collection and for policies that guide preservation, acquisition and public access. More about its institutional development and milestones is available via the Archive’s history pages: history overview and timeline.

Functions and activities

The NFSA undertakes a mix of technical, curatorial and public functions. These include acquiring and cataloguing items, performing conservation and restoration work, digitizing fragile formats, creating preservation masters, and developing metadata to make items discoverable. The Archive also supports research and licensing enquiries, offers expertise to film restorers and sound engineers, and participates in professional networks concerned with audiovisual heritage. Details about specialist services and digitization programs are described at: conservation & digitisation.

Public access, exhibitions and education

Located in Canberra, the NFSA provides on‑site services such as reading rooms, viewing and listening facilities, public exhibitions, screenings and education programs aimed at schools and the general public. It also mounts touring exhibitions and collaborates with cultural institutions to bring preserved material back into public circulation. For information on visiting, screenings and learning resources see: visit and events and education programs.

Significance and relationships

The NFSA plays a distinctive role in safeguarding Australia’s audiovisual heritage and differs from other national cultural agencies by specialising in moving image and recorded sound. It works alongside national libraries, archives, broadcasters and state institutions to coordinate collection strategies, standards and policies. For researchers, industry professionals and the public the Archive is a primary resource for historical media, rights information and preservation expertise; further research services and licensing guidance can be located at: research services and rights & licensing.

Note: This article provides an overview of the Archive’s scope and activities. For the latest details about holdings, specific projects and public programs consult the Archive’s official resources linked above.