Archivists from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are leading a quiet revolution, as once back in the end of 80’s they led one to fight for their country’s independence, in preserving the Baltic region’s audiovisual heritage. Through digitisation, ethical stewardship, and regional cooperation, they are ensuring that the stories of the past remain accessible for future generations. Three archivists talk more about the progress and the problems of audiovisual document digitisation in the interviews for “Beyond Theory. The interview series by ICA/PAAG”.
A Digital Lifeline for Baltic Memory
In the spirit of the historic 1989 Baltic Way – a peaceful demonstration of unity across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – archivists from the three nations are once again joining forces. This time, their mission is not political independence, but cultural preservation. Through cutting-edge digitisation efforts, they are safeguarding the region’s audiovisual heritage from the ravages of time and technological obsolescence.
We started with almost nothing—no equipment, no unified approach. Now, we’re one of the most developed archives in the field. But it’s not just about technology. It’s about people who care deeply about preserving history.
– Rūdolfs Henčels, Head of the Document Digitisation Department at the Latvian State Archive of Audiovisual Documents
Ethics at the Core of Preservation
Jole Stimbirytė from the Lithuanian Central State Archive highlights the importance of consent and transparency, noting that all publication decisions are made in consultation with content donors and in accordance with copyright laws. The archive’s E-kinas portal only features materials that are either in the public domain or cleared for public access.
We digitise everything first to preserve it, but we are very careful about what we publish. Ethical dilemmas often arise when dealing with personal or sensitive content, especially in amateur films.
– Jole Stimbirytė, Head of the Film Department at the Lithuanian Central State Archive
Future Vision: Access and Integrity
Estonia’s approach emphasizes transparency, ethical digitisation, and the use of calibrated tools to ensure faithful digital representations. They also warn us of the risks of over-reliance on emerging technologies like AI, advocating for cautious and informed implementation.
Digitisation is a form of representation, not replication. We strive to preserve the authenticity of the original while making it accessible and educational.
– Aap Tepper, Head of Digitisation department at Film Archives of the National Archives of Estonia
A New Baltic Way
The digitisation of audiovisual archives in the Baltic region is more than a technical endeavour – it is a cultural movement rooted in memory, ethics, and collaboration. Just as the Baltic Way once united three nations in a human chain for freedom, today’s archivists are forging a digital chain of preservation and access.
Their work ensures that the voices, images, and stories of the past are not only saved but shared—thoughtfully, respectfully, and with a deep sense of responsibility. As technology evolves and ethical challenges grow more complex, the Baltic archivists remain committed to a future where history is not forgotten but illuminated.
