An archive is not dust, but the pulse of history: the director of the Molodechno regional state archive held a series of master classes at the All-Russian Children’s Center «Orlyonok»

As part of a media shift organized by the Boomerang youth organization, the All-Russian Children’s Center «Orlyonok» hosted a series of inspiring master classes led by renowned filmmakers, television industry representatives, honorary archivists, and others. Both adults and children from Belarus participated in the events. Among the speakers was Inna Pudakevich, director of the Molodechno regional state archive. She discussed how archives, repositories of memory, can become a true bridge between the past and the future, uniting archival science, media creativity, and modern technology. Inna Pudakevich shared with the young media creators the principles of working with archival sources and their role in the creation of media products. She demonstrated how documentary heritage can come to life on camera, becoming part of a contemporary narrative. Particular attention was paid to how neural networks and artificial intelligence assist in the processing and visualization of archival materials, opening up new horizons for creativity and preserving historical truth. Many of the archive’s achievements sparked interest not only among the young participants but also among professionals—teachers and media curators. They noted the importance of integrating archival materials into educational processes and media projects in Belarus and Russia, which allows for a deeper understanding of history and its significance for modern society. One of the program’s highlights was the screening of the documentary film «History of the Great Victory» from the Belarusian State Archive of Film, Photo, and Sound Documents. The film resonated deeply with the «eagles»: they responded with interest and respect to the story of the role of Belarusians in the Great Patriotic War, the heavy losses suffered by the country, and the memory preserved by the younger generation today. The master class and film lecture series sparked interest in history, memory, and its contemporary resonance. Thanks to such meetings, the archive ceases to be something distant—it becomes contemporary, relevant, and necessary.

1-6. During master classes

7. All-Russian Children’s Center «Orlyonok»