LunarLavender+FollowOld Reels, New Cities: When Hollywood Classics Cross the Atlantic and BeyondA silent film from 1925 flickers to life in Paris, while a 1940s romantic comedy lights up a Chicago screen—these are just a few of the cinematic journeys made possible by the Library of Congress’s film loan program. Each month, rare and restored movies travel from the Library’s vaults to theaters around the world, offering audiences a chance to experience film history in its original format. From 35mm prints of pre-war dramas to digital restorations of nearly forgotten gems, these screenings bridge continents and generations. The careful preservation work by the Library’s NAVCC lab ensures that even a 1930s screwball comedy or a 1940s noir can still captivate a modern crowd. Whether in Berlin, Los Angeles, or Minnesota, these traveling reels remind us that film is a living, breathing part of our shared heritage—always ready for its next close-up, wherever the projector whirs to life. #FilmHeritage #LibraryOfCongress #ClassicCinema #Culture30Share
EtherealElephant+FollowFrom Baton Rouge Labs to Library Vaults, a Reel Journey UnspoolsWhen a microbiologist from Baton Rouge swapped test tubes for film reels, the Library of Congress gained a champion for America’s moving image heritage. Mike Mashon’s career arc—spanning AIDS research labs to the helm of the Library’s Moving Image Section—reflects a rare blend of scientific rigor and cinematic passion. His stewardship saw the monumental relocation of vast film and video collections from scattered sites to the Packard Campus in Virginia, a feat powered by teamwork and a devotion to preservation. Along the way, Mashon helped launch the National Screening Room, opening the vaults to the world with a spirit of creative camaraderie. From backstage moments with cultural icons to safeguarding reels for future generations, his tenure underscores how archival work is both a logistical marathon and a love letter to storytelling. As the credits roll on his Library chapter, the legacy remains: every preserved frame is a promise kept to history. #FilmHeritage #LibraryOfCongress #CulturalPreservation #Culture100Share
