Kinolibrary - FOCAL's Company of the Month: February 2022
What is your company's name?
Kinolibrary
What does Kibolibrary do?
Kinolibrary is a boutique film archive representing a diverse and eclectic array of high quality historical content. Our collections boast rare clips that often recontextualise their subject matter by offering sharp, fresh angles.
We are unique for our fast turnaround time, the flexibility of our rates, and our exclusive license of the World Backgrounds collection in stunning 35mm quality. As archivists, we are passionate about the value of archive film in reframing historical events, cultural movements, and individuals.
We also understand our important role as custodians of our collections, so we take extra care to ensure that we can provide the perfect footage for every project.
How long have you been operating for?
10 years
How long has Kinolibrary been a member of FOCAL?
10 years
What is something that you offer that you're most proud of?
We’re particularly proud of our vast subcultural archive. We license rare footage of New York beatniks and Haight Ashbury hippies, to Punk home movies, dub soundsystems and illegal raves.
Our library also holds an incredible range of 35mm locations footage, from London to Istanbul, Nairobi to New York. Our clients often comment on the great quality and specificity of our locations footage.
Recent additions include Don Letts, spearheader of the ‘Punky Reggae Party’ and videographer for punk rock giants including The Clash, The Slits and Sex Pistols and Reggae icons such as Bob Marley, Linton Kwesi Johnson, and Big Youth. Letts’ archive of striking Super 8 films comprises backstage footage, concerts and home movies shot across Kingston, Jamaica and London.
We are also proud to represent Menelik Shabazz and Henry Chalfant. Shabazz was a pioneer of Black British cinema whose textured films explore daily life, youth culture and protest in the early 1980s. Chalfant chronicled the hip-hop subculture of the Bronx in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and his films showcase graffiti writers, b-boys and emcees with unparalleled proximity.
To help expertly navigate our extensive collections we have an amazing research service. Our clients often comment on the brilliant quality of our footage, the speed of our turnaround time, and the adaptability and friendliness of our team!
What projects are you currently working on?
Some of the amazing projects we worked on in 2021 include; Ridley Road, The Velvet Underground, Respect, Becoming Led Zeppelin, Summer of Soul, Finding Cousteau.
Have you ever had any unusual requests?
We have had many unusual requests over the years but “men dressed as babies on a pub crawl being pushed in prams” takes the prize for the most unusual.
You can follow Kinolibrary on Social Media through the following Channels:
Facebook: /Kinolibrary
Twitter: @TheKinolibrary
Instagram: @Kinolibrary
Youtube: /TheKinolibrary