# China Film Archive > film archive in China **Wikidata**: [Q5099678](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5099678) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Film_Archive) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/china-film-archive ## Summary The China Film Archive is a specialized film archive and research institute established in 1958 in Beijing, China. As a member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), it preserves and promotes Chinese cinema heritage while functioning as a cinematheque, research institute, and graduate school. It is headquartered in Beitaipingzhuang Subdistrict and serves as a key institution for film research and cultural preservation. ## Key Facts - Founded in 1958 in Beijing, China. - Headquartered at 3 Wenhuiyuan Road, Beitaipingzhuang Subdistrict, Haidian District. - Geographic coordinates: 39.951566666666665° N, 116.36369444444445° E. - Member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) since at least 2025. - Classified as a cinematheque, research institute, and graduate school. - Official website: http://www.cfa.org.cn/. - Social media presence: Weibo user IDs "ChinaFilmArchive" and "u/6060591644". - Unique identifiers: VIAF ID 140755340, IMDb ID co0268137, Unified Social Credit ID 121000004000143052. - Part of the Encyclopedia of China (Second Edition) under ID 246965. - Aliases: 中國電影藝術研究中心 (Chinese Film Art Research Center), 中国电影艺术研究中心, 中國電影資料館 (Chinese Film Archive). ## FAQs ### Q: When was the China Film Archive established? A: The archive was founded in 1958, making it one of China’s earliest institutions dedicated to film preservation and research. ### Q: What organizations is the China Film Archive affiliated with? A: It is a member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), a global network committed to preserving and promoting cinematic heritage. ### Q: Where is the China Film Archive located? A: The headquarters is in Beitaipingzhuang Subdistrict, Haidian District, Beijing, at coordinates 39.951566666666665° N, 116.36369444444445° E. ### Q: What roles does the China Film Archive serve beyond archiving? A: It operates as a research institute, cinematheque, and graduate school, supporting film studies, screenings, and educational programs. ## Why It Matters The China Film Archive is pivotal in preserving China’s cinematic history and fostering film scholarship. As a FIAF member, it contributes to global efforts in film preservation while serving as a hub for research, education, and cultural exchange. Its multifaceted role as an archive, research institute, and educational institution underscores its importance in safeguarding film heritage and promoting cinematic arts in China and internationally. ## Notable For - Established in 1958 as one of China’s earliest film archives. - Combines archival, research, and educational functions under one institution. - Member of the prestigious International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF). - Holds unique identifiers across global systems, including VIAF, IMDb, and the Encyclopedia of China. - Operates as a cinematheque, hosting film screenings and cultural events. ## Body ### History and Founding The China Film Archive was established in 1958 in Beijing, China, to preserve and study the country’s film heritage. Over decades, it has evolved into a multifunctional institution, integrating archival work, research, and education. Its founding reflects early efforts to systematize film preservation in China. ### Organization and Classification The archive is classified as a cinematheque, research institute, and graduate school, distinguishing it from general cultural institutions. It operates under the Unified Social Credit ID 121000004000143052 and is recognized in the Encyclopedia of China (Second Edition) under ID 246965. Its aliases, such as 中國電影藝術研究中心, highlight its dual focus on art and research. ### Memberships and Global Connections As a member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), the China Film Archive collaborates with global peers to advance film preservation standards. This affiliation, documented since 2025, reinforces its role in international cultural initiatives. ### Geographic Location The headquarters is situated at 3 Wenhuiyuan Road, Beitaipingzhuang Subdistrict, Haidian District, Beijing. Its precise coordinates (39.951566666666665° N, 116.36369444444445° E) and address reflect its integration into Beijing’s cultural infrastructure. ### Digital and Public Engagement The archive maintains an official website (http://www.cfa.org.cn/) and engages audiences through Weibo accounts "ChinaFilmArchive" and "u/6060591644". These platforms facilitate access to its collections and programs, including screenings and research initiatives. ### Identifiers and Cataloging The archive is cataloged in global systems with identifiers such as VIAF ID 140755340, IMDb ID co0268137, and Library of Congress Authority ID n83050461. These ensure its recognition in international research and cultural networks. ### Research and Education As a graduate school and research institute, the China Film Archive supports academic programs and scholarly investigations into film history, theory, and technology. Its research institute classification underscores its commitment to advancing cinematic knowledge. ### Preservation and Access The archive preserves film materials while providing access through screenings, exhibitions, and digital platforms. Its role as a cinematheque emphasizes public engagement with classic and contemporary cinema. ### Cultural Significance By preserving China’s film legacy and participating in global preservation efforts, the archive bridges cultural heritage and modern scholarship. Its work ensures the longevity of Chinese cinema as an art form and historical resource. ## References 1. [Source](https://cfa.org.cn/tabid/532/InfoID/4772/frtid/533/Default.aspx) 2. Open ISNI for Organizations 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. CiNii Research 5. [Source](https://www.fiafnet.org/pages/Community/Members.html) 6. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions 7. [Source](https://cfa.org.cn/tabid/533/Default.aspx) 8. [Source](https://cfa.org.cn/tabid/555/Default.aspx)