Remastered

Open Call | "Remastered: a Digital Film Restoration Training Program"

In light of the recent launch of its comprehensive film restoration unit, Cimatheque - Alternative Film Centre, in partnership with Sudan Film Factory, is thrilled to announce “Re-Mastered: a Digital Film Restoration Training Program”. Remastered is born out of the pressing need to preserve and safeguard the rich Egyptian and Arab film heritage, bridging the gap in infrastructure and expertise to ensure these cinematic treasures are revitalized for future generations.

This training program is designed to equip advanced post-production practitioners with new skills, contributing to the development of a sustainable ecosystem for digital film restoration services in the Arab region. 

Program Overview

The program is divided into two concentrated tracks (Image Restoration, and Sound Restoration) from which participants can choose only one. 

Both tracks are held completely on-site and begin with shared foundational workshops before branching into more specialized hands-on sessions, through which the participants are expected to work on the restoration of two short films.

The program is structured as follows:

• introductory workshops (common between the two tracks):

  • Intro to Analogue/ Digitizing & Media Management (12 Days)

  • Restoration Ethics (5 Days)

• Image Restoration Track:

  • Digital Image Repair (10 Days)

  • Color Grading (10 Days)

• Sound Restoration:

  • Sound Restoration (10 Days)

For the detailed curriculum of the program and each of its workshops, please visit this link.

Key Benefits

• Gaining comprehensive knowledge in the tools and techniques of the various stages of digital film restoration.

• Working first hand on restoring short films made by pioneer filmmakers.

• Exploring techniques of handling the unique kinds of damage, deterioration, and challenges present while dealing with film archives

• Being mentored by esteemed Arab and International film restoration professionals.

• Delving into the ethical and aesthetical implications of film restoration with respect to its local context, while contributing to the preservation of Arab film heritage.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to apply by filling out the application form below

Applications are open until the 25th of January

For any inquiries, contact us at [communication@cimatheque.org].

About Sudan Film Factory

Sudan Film Factory (SFF) is an independent force in the cinematic world, deeply rooted in the cultural and creative aspirations of Sudan. Established in 2010, SFF stands as a beacon for nurturing and empowering filmmakers across Sudan, Africa, and the Arabic-speaking world. With a vision that transcends borders, SFF is devoted to fostering a vibrant, authentic, and independent film culture that reflects the complexities and beauty of its people and stories.

At its core, SFF supports the transformative power of cinema as an art form. Through its comprehensive initiatives in education, production, and mentorship, it has redefined the possibilities for emerging filmmakers, offering them the tools and guidance to tell their stories with boldness and clarity.

Since 2023, SFF has embraced a dynamic, remote operating model, with its team spanning cities worldwide. This global presence enhances its engagement with filmmakers, funders, and creative partners, enabling it to cultivate an ecosystem where storytelling flourishes. Its work encompasses film production, mentorship, training, archival projects, and programming - all meticulously designed to elevate the artistry of cinema both within Sudan and on the international stage.

Sudan Film Factory Archive Unit

At Sudan Film Factory (SFF), archives are not mere repositories of the past - they are living, breathing testaments to our collective identity and cultural resilience. SFF stands at the forefront of cinematic archival activism, driven by the belief that preserving the visual and auditory heritage of Sudan is essential to understanding its history, shaping its present, and inspiring its future.

SFF is resolute in its mission to protect, restore, and celebrate Sudan’s cinematic legacy. By safeguarding these invaluable records, SFF not only ensures the survival of stories that might otherwise fade into obscurity but also provides a foundation for future generations of filmmakers to build upon. Through innovative archival projects, educational initiatives, and global collaborations, SFF is creating pathways for the rediscovery and reinterpretation of Sudan’s rich and complex narratives.

SFF is concerned to act in the defiance against cultural erasure and a declaration of the enduring power of Sudanese voices in the face of adversity. For SFF, archives are a bridge between the past and the future, a wellspring of creativity, and a cornerstone of the independent film movement in Sudan, Africa and beyond.

About Cimatheque

Since 2012, Cimatheque – Alternative Film Centre has been operating in Cairo as a multi-purpose space that believes in the diversity of cinema as an art form and strives to create an open space for discussion, learning, and the exchange of experiences and ideas to support and promote alternative cinema.

Cimatheque offers various programs and services, including a cinema hall, a specialized lab for analog film services, a high-quality analogue film scanner, a post-production services unit, and a specialized training program in the fields of film production and archival practices. Additionally, it hosts an extensive film archive accessible to the public and researchers.

The Cimatheque archive contains special collections of archival materials belonging to many pillars of Egyptian and Arab cinema, ranging from films and visual materials to paper collections, personal belongings, and cinematic equipment. The archive aims to support the growing community associated with archival practices and seeks to create a critical and interactive context that raises questions about the history of cinema and its development as both an industry and an art form.