About the To Hell and Back Project

To Hell and Back Project is a cultural-historical initiative dedicated to recovering, restoring, and preserving the filmed memory of the First World War.

Founded by Storm Alexander Hammer Boysen in 2022, the project brings together archival research, film restoration, academic historiography, and modern digital technology to revive forgotten images of 1914–1918 with authenticity and respect.

What began with the identification of a single unstudied frontline reel has grown into a multi-country initiative with historical advisors, restoration experts, academic partners, and collaborations with national institutions.

The long-term goal of the project is a feature-length documentary built entirely on fully restored and colorized German archival films from the First World War.

At its core, To Hell and Back Project is driven by the simple conviction that the men filmed on those reels deserve to be seen again with full clarity, dignity, and truth.

Why this Matters

For more than a century, large parts of the filmed record of the First World War have remained fundamentally understudied, uncontextualized, misidentified, fragmented, or simply forgotten.

To Hell and Back Project seeks to restore this missing part of the world’s memory by identifying, contextualizing, and restoring these films, ensuring that the experiences of all sides, especially those rarely shown in modern documentaries, are preserved and understood.

This project is not about entertainment.

It is cultural heritage work of international significance.

Despite receiving no formal funding to date, the project’s historical and technical rigor has already attracted recognition from leading historians, national research institutes, film-restoration experts, and even diplomatic missions.

Their engagement reflects a growing understanding of the project’s importance, not only as a film initiative, but as a contribution to global memory and historical preservation.

Mission Scope

Global Archival Research and Cross-Border Contextualization

Exploring collections across Europe, Russia, and North America to locate, identify, and contextualize surviving WWI film.

Film Restoration & High-Resolution Digitization

Using high-resolution laboratory scanning, digital reconstruction, grading, professional restoration, and colorization to return damaged nitrate and acetate films to truly show the events that were filmed more than 100 years ago.

Historical Verification

Collaborating with leading historians and military specialists to confirm chronology, geography, units, and identities of soldiers captured on film.

Ethical Colorization & Sound Reconstruction

Reintroducing color to century-old footage is a serious responsibility. Ethical colorization is grounded in precision, documented accuracy, and professional tools. All interventions are documented and reversible.

What Does the Supporters Say

“My ancestors immigrated from Germany in 1919 after living and fighting through the Great War—they faced daily backlash and slander. On their behalf: thank you.” 

“This may be one of the most important projects in human history.” 

“I genuinely think it will be bigger than They Shall Not Grow Old. I’m so excited to finally see it.” 

“Genuinely the least these brave men deserve is to not be forgotten — you are a good man, they would be proud.” 

“What you’re doing for history is truly respectable — I hope you know that.”

 “Honestly man, absolute legend — I can’t imagine the work you have to do for that.” 

“You are making history, my bro.” 

“Wow all this stuff and you’re only 20?!?”

“This is truly one of the most incredible projects of our time!”