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From Kev Franzi’s Journeys in time –
The Value Of Our History

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Each year on the 11 hour of the 11 month we gather to remember the young
men and women – and many not so young – “Who gave their tomorrow for our today”
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in the madness of wars spanning the 20 Century and beyond. The survivors of more
recent conflicts who actually experienced these events get fewer in number each year –
and as these “old soldiers fade away” so often their stories go with them.
How can we understand and fully appreciate what these people experienced? It’s
only through The Recorders of our history that their stories will survive. Our Image
Makers – the writers, photographers and filmmakers are The Recorders who play such
a vital role - without them we have no history!

Brilliant films like “They shall not grow old”: “Kokoda Front Line” and
“Danger Close” provide for us the best and closest examples we will ever get–
hopefully – to the experience of war – Lest We Forget!What value do we put on that?
Apparently not much when history is no longer taught in our schools.

In 2025 I’m celebrating 80 YEARS of Discovering the Wonder – working in
the Australian Film Industry. In that time I have been a technician – a writer – a
photojournalist and documentary filmmaker – telling a story with words and a camera
– a film editor, teacher and historian. At all times working with very talented people
who provided the opportunity for me to learn and discover the wonder of Capturing
the Australian Image – Past, Present and Future. What a journey – from Message
Boy to Entrepreneur.

For over 40 years I’ve been celebrating and showcasing the finest work of our
image makers, collecting and illustrating the value of their work and collecting the
amazing “Tools of – Profession” they used to capture our Australian image across a
century and a half. These significant working items from Fox Talbot’s Camera Obscura
to the latest “Smart Phone” includes a complete working Lumiere Cinematographe
outfit as star of the show.

Now, together with my lifetime’s work – this vast and unique collection is “UP
FOR GRABS” – I must find an organization – the right organization – that will
appreciate its value and use this treasure trove the way I have used it very successfully
for over 40 years – Past, Present and Future. Let Me Show You!

The question is – Do you see any value in Australian History – or will it drown
in a sea of foreign fantasy? Does my legacy have a future – or will it end up in the dump
like many others? Will our Kids know anything about their Australian Heritage?

12 REEL DEALS December 2024