In 1989 Boleslas Matuszewski, a Polish photographer and cinematographer published his unique vision of a cinematographic archive, thus acknowledging the potential of films as historical sources. Matuszewski's innovative perception of cinema and its future roles in historical research and education necessitated, in his view an official institution to collect, preserve and make films available and accessible. Thus, underlining the elements of this future cinematographic archive. Furthermore, as an altogether "objective" source, the author argues that film might ultimately replace traditional practices of research and teaching. Nevertheless, Matuszewski recognizes the contingent aspect of capturing present events and the challenges unearthing the historical causes behind those events.

Tobias Ebbrecht-Hartmann examines this unique essay in view of current development in film studies, cinematic archives, and the place of social media in forming online video archives. Underscoring

Matuszewski's perception of films as candid and authentic sources, Ebbrecht-Hartmann sheds light on later film theorists approaches and eventual instrumentalization of film as sources in various contexts.

His academic overview accompanies this first Hebrew publication of Matuszwski’s essay.