An exclusive event for the world’s best
Imagine being one of just 42 people selected from nearly 200 applicants across the globe for a career-defining event. That was the reality for Laura Kerušauskaitė from the Lithuanian Central State Archives, who recently earned a prestigious certificate from the FIAF Film Restoration Summer School in Bologna, Italy.
This highly competitive program, now in its eleventh year, brings together the most promising film heritage specialists from around the world. This year, participants from 30 countries attended, with Kerušauskaitė proudly representing Lithuania as the sole delegate.
From theory to hands-on restoration
The intensive three-week event, held from June 20 to July 10, was a deep dive into the art and science of film preservation. The program combined remote learning with practical sessions in Bologna, coinciding with the renowned Il Cinema Ritrovato film festival.
A major highlight was the hands-on training at L’Immagine Ritrovata, one of the world’s leading film restoration laboratories. Participants worked through every stage of the restoration process, from the delicate handling and chemical treatment of original film reels to advanced digital scanning, color correction, and sound restoration. This provided a complete understanding of the entire preservation chain.
A guiding principle: preserving authenticity
Throughout the event, international experts emphasized a crucial principle for restorers: the goal is to help the original, not change it. The focus is on carefully removing damage caused by time and use, ensuring the film’s authentic character is preserved so it can be safely archived and shared with new audiences on the big screen.
This high-level training is an invaluable professional experience. The knowledge and international connections gained will directly contribute to strengthening the Lithuanian Central State Archives, boosting its visibility in the global film heritage community and enhancing the preservation of Lithuania’s cinematic history.
