Motion Pictures: University of British Columbia Acquires Videomatica Collection (More Than 30,000 Films)

Note: infoDOCKET first posted about the Videomatica collection being acquired by UBC and SFU on January 16, 2013.
From The Ubyssey (Students Newspaper at UBC):

Invite some friends, make some popcorn, and head to the library. Koerner Library is now in possession of one of the largest and most well-known film collections in Canada.
The Videomatica collection has over 30,000 titles, ranging from Lord of the Rings to Vintage 1920s erotica. The collection was originally housed and curated by Videomatica, a Kitsilano staple, until it closed its doors for the last time in 2011. In late January, the UBC library acquired Videomatica’s collection of DVDs, VHS tapes, and Blu-rays; SFU [Simon Fraser University] received the collection’s documentaries.
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Acquiring almost all 30,000 films was one way in which the university was able to preserve not only the films themselves, but also the history they represent. When Videomatica closed its doors, it signalled the end of an era. Video stores played an integral part in film history, as well as the community in which they thrived.

Read the Complete Article
Direct to Videomatica Web Page and FAQ (via UBC Library)
See Also:  Iconic Videomatica film collection available at UBC and SFU

UBC and SFU acquired the $1.7-million collection after Videomatica’s 2011 closure, thanks to a donation and purchase agreement brokered by Vancouver philanthropist Yosef Wosk. UBC received about 28,000 movie DVDs, 4,000 VHS titles and 900 Blu-rays and SFU received more than 2,500 documentaries.
“The library is a natural home for our curated collection” says Graham Peat, a Videomatica co-founder and UBC alumnus. Co-founder Brian Bosworth, also a UBC alumnus, agreed: “We’re excited to re-introduce Videomatica to the community and see how it can be enjoyed for academic research and to bring public and campus groups together.

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