Earlier this year, the Early Visual Media Lab (EVML) hosted Leen Engelen, from LUCA School of Arts and the FilmEU Centre of Excellence ImHerit, for an engaging lecture titled “History and Practice of Early Amateur Film Formats: The Case of Pathé Kok and Pathé Baby”. Aimed at PhD students in Media Arts and Communication, the session offered a deep dive into the technical and social history of early 20th-century amateur cinema.

The highlight of the event was its hands-on component. Moving beyond theoretical discussion, students were invited to operate ingenious historical projectors and manage the projection of several 9.5mm films. This direct contact allowed participants to experience the analog nature of early film technology, significantly deepening their understanding of the evolution of moving images and the material history of cinema.

By bridging the gap between historical research and practice, the EVML continues to provide students with unique insights into media archaeology.