Rick Prelinger

Rick Prelinger, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Santa Cruz, is a distinguished archivist, filmmaker, and librarian with a profound impact on the fields of media and social change. He is the founder of Prelinger Archives, established in 1982, which is renowned for its extensive collection of industrial, advertising, and amateur films. This significant archive was later acquired by the Library of Congress, underscoring its cultural and historical value. Prelinger's collaboration with the Internet Archive has been instrumental in democratizing access to cultural records, making over 2,000 films available online for public viewing. His archival endeavors are particularly focused on the preservation and recontextualization of home movies and amateur films, offering a unique lens into personal and collective histories. Through these efforts, he has contributed significantly to the discourse on critical archival studies and personal recordkeeping. In addition to his archival work, Prelinger is celebrated for his "historical interventions" films, such as "Lost Landscapes of San Francisco" and "Lost Landscapes of Detroit." These films creatively utilize archival footage to explore the evolving narratives of these cities, blending past and future perspectives. His innovative approach to filmmaking has enriched the fields of participatory documentary and cinema and public history. Prelinger has published extensively, offering insights into the complexities of access to cultural records and the implications of digital scholarship. His scholarly contributions have been pivotal in advancing the understanding of how media can drive social change and influence public perception. His work continues to inspire new generations of archivists, filmmakers, and scholars in the dynamic intersection of media, history, and society. Through his career, Rick Prelinger has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to expanding the accessibility of cultural heritage and fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of archives in shaping public memory. His legacy is reflected in the ongoing relevance of his projects and the continued engagement of audiences with the rich tapestry of historical narratives he has helped to preserve and share.