Challenge
How can the work of archivists be shown in an interesting way?
Our task was to create a documentary film showing the work of archivists in Krzeszów and the process of document conservation in Toruń. The main challenge was to capture the precise and delicate work with valuable, historical documents, while maintaining the authentic atmosphere of the archive and adhering to strict rules of security and protection of materials. Additionally, the film had to present the conservation processes in an accessible way in order to interest both experts and the general public.
IDEA
Meeting of history with modern technology
We focused on authenticity and a narrative based on the work of archivists and conservators. The film was intended to show the life of the archive from the inside – both in the place where historical documents were first collected in Lviv, and then in Krzeszów, as well as in the modern conservation headquarters in Toruń. We wanted to highlight the passion and precision of the specialists, while educating the viewer about the importance of protecting cultural and archival heritage.
SOLUTION
Two parts of the documentary film in two different installments
In the first part of the documentary, we focused on filming the work of archivists in the archive, recording daily activities: cataloguing, digitisation, and preservation of documents. The second part of the film was shot in Toruń, where we showed the conservation processes of historical documents, presenting advanced techniques and tools used by specialists. In the film, we used a variety of shots – close-ups, detail shots, and wide angles of the archival space – to convey both the atmosphere of the place and the complex nature of the archivists' work. Additionally, expert commentary was woven in, which enhanced the educational value of the material.
CREDITS
Documentary film