Halifax Public Libraries, Dalhousie teaming up to buy Video Difference films

CTV Atlantic: Dalhousie, Halifax libraries buying Video Difference films Dalhousie University and Halifax Public Libraries are teaming up to buy hard to find films from Video Difference.

Dalhousie University and Halifax Public Libraries are combining forces to buy hard-to-find films from Video Difference.

The landmark Halifax-area business announced on Aug. 2 that it would be closing its doors for good after not being able to keep up with current film demands.

It came as a heavyblow to several movie buffs, like Dalhousie film studies professor David Nicol, who relied on the store for its international and silent movies.

“When I heard the news, it was like an icy stab to the heart,” said Nicol. “I was literally very frightened by what was going to happen this term.”

His colleagues and the university's librarians quickly came up with a deal with Halifax's Public Libraries. Together they're going to buy 5,500 titles for $125,000.

“We heard from our users and we listened to them and we immediately start talking about how we could find additional funding,” said Dalhousie librarian Donna Bourne-Tyson.

Video Difference owner Tom Michael thought it was a great idea for the films to be available at a central location.

“In fact, my staff and myself look forward to accessing them again,” said Michael.

Film experts say the partnership is about preserving a collection. Many of the titles that will soon be available at the library are hard to find – even online.

“These movies are going to be available to everybody in Halifax,” said Nicol, “and they will be available for free, so even better in a lot of ways.”

Video Difference staff are now boxing up and shipping out fan favourites, including the American and British titles, along with an impressive collection of foreign-language films and documentaries.

It's a rare opportunity for local libraries to acquire a compilation that took years to curate.

“This would have been an enormous task for us and a very expensive task for us,” said Halifax Public Libraries CEO Asa Kachan. “The fact is Video Difference did such great work that the public will continue to benefit from.”

Halifax Public Libraries hopes to have the DVDs available as soon as possible.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl.