World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage seeks to raise awareness of the importance of preserving audiovisual documents, such as sound recordings, films, and television or radio programmes. These documents are essential components of humankind's heritage and contain the primary records of the 20th and 21st centuries. As a global observance, the day stresses the need to conserve these records for future generations, as they contribute to cultural diversity, identity, and knowledge sharing. The observance also highlights the urgency of digitising and safeguarding these valuable materials, as they become more endangered due to technological obsolescence and decay.

The concept for World Day for Audiovisual Heritage emerged from a UNESCO proposal in 2005, and the day was first observed internationally in 2007. For South Africans, this day provides an opportunity to appreciate the rich cultural and historical heritage preserved in audiovisual formats. The preservation of these records plays a critical role in fostering awareness and understanding of South Africa's diverse and often tumultuous history. It also underscores the importance of continued preservation efforts to ensure that future generations can access and learn from these valuable documents, deepening their connection to the nation's past.

In South Africa, the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is often commemorated through various events and activities, such as film screenings, exhibitions, and seminars that celebrate the country's audiovisual heritage. These events not only educate the public on the significance of preserving such materials but also provide a platform for showcasing South African stories, as told through the unique lens of audiovisual works. World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is observed annually on October 27, providing a moment for South Africans to honour and appreciate the rich tapestry of their nation's history and culture.