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Movie fanatics on the move

It's the end of a beautiful friendship - Fremantle and the Film and Television Institute.

For decades, film lovers and practitioners have flocked to the old Fremantle Boys Home to attend screenings, hammer out the big movie issues of the day and borrow equipment in the hope of becoming the next Peter Weir or Jane Campion.

The cinematic compass will now point north as FTI makes an historic move to the State Library of WA in the Perth Cultural Centre.

The reason for the relocation is that the City of Fremantle is undertaking a major renovation of the historic Adelaide Street building, home of FTI since the merger of Frevideo and the Perth Institute of Film and Television in 1982.

While it retains the rights to move back after the renovation is completed, the FTI is using the break from Fremantle to establish a screen sector hub in and around Northbridge.

"It's sad to be leaving Freo because the port city and its citizens have been an integral part of the life of FTI," chief executive Paul Bodlovich said.

"But we need to be closer to the heart of the WA film industry and be better able to engage with its key players.

"Also, the Northbridge location means that we will be able to make locally produced content more accessible to more West Australians."

FTI's move to the city will allow for the upgrade of the State Library's existing facilities, including the addition of a high-end HD digital video projector to complement existing 16mm and 35mm equipment.

FTI will also use the library's theatre for its screenings, such as the annual showcase of nominees for the coming WA Screen Awards.

FTI will take up residency on Level 2 of the State Libbrary of WA from Monday.