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Research Screening 2026
Research Screening 2026
Research Screening of 1918 Austro-Hungarian Frontline Combat Footage
Screening of Moments Once Believed Impossible to Film
Screening of Moments Once Believed Impossible to Film
A patron-level invitation to a private research screening at the Danish Film Institute, presented by Storm Boysen together with historians and military specialists from Austria, Hungary, and Denmark.
The event will feature 4K scanned material currently undergoing verification, including what may be the first confirmed examples of First World War close quarters combat footage identified.
On 26 November 2025, Storm Boysen, Founder & Researcher, was received at the Embassy of Hungary in Copenhagen by Ambassador Gabriella Jakab and First Secretary Dr. Gyula Mike for a discussion on the rediscovered 1918 frontline footage. The Embassy expressed strong interest in the material and in the project. The meeting was warm, constructive, and highlighted a shared commitment to documenting this rare part of Austro-Hungarian First World War history. Representatives from the Embassy have expressed interest in attending the closed research screening at the Danish Film Institute in early 2026.
The screening will be conducted with the utmost respect for the individuals depicted and the historical context in which they lived and died.
A limited number of patron invitations (approx. 10 seats) will be available for the closed research screening at the Danish Film Institute in 2026.
Further details, including participating individuals will be announced as international coordination with participating institutions continues.
Those interested in attending or receiving further information are welcome to contact:
Preliminary Analysis of a 1918 Frontline Fighting Scene
Preliminary Analysis of a 1918 Frontline Fighting Scene
This low resolution still captures one of the most violent and immediate frontline moments ever caught on film. Based on a preliminary visual analysis by Storm Boysen, the following elements can be identified:
A second cameraman is positioned at the base of the ravine wall, indicating that this was a coordinated effort to capture frontline fighting on film.
A Granatenwerfer 15 (light trench mortar) is mounted at the top of the ravine wall.
The Granatenwerfer operator is struck and killed by machine-gun fire during the recording.
A rifleman in the centre is taking cover under sustained enemy fire.
Another soldier is attempting to shelter behind the ravine wall.
Rifle grenades or hand grenades are detonating in the background.
© 2025 To Hell and Back Project. Analysis and edited stills by Storm Boysen.
© 2025 To Hell and Back Project. Analysis and edited stills by Storm Boysen.
Evidence of Coordinated Frontline Filming
Evidence of Coordinated Frontline Filming
According to preliminary analysis by Storm Boysen, another scene shows a soldier falling down the same ravine wall and dying within meters of the cameraman. The framing, cameraman position, and overall compositional intent closely mirror the behavior documented in the scene above.
This consistency suggests that these films were created coherently and that the cameramen were deliberately attempting to record lethal frontline action rather than incidental or accidental moments. If the theory is verified at the screening by relevant specialists, this would be historically unique in WWI film history. Analysis of a Second Frontline Scene:
The Stahlhelm of a fallen soldier lies in the foreground.
The service rifle of the soldier.
The soldier is seen falling down the ravine wall, evidently struck and killed by machine-gun fire.
At the base of the ravine, another soldier lies motionless, presumably killed earlier in the same exchange.
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