James A. Lindner Archival Technology Medal

Official award citation

The 2025 James A. Lindner Archival Technology Medal is awarded to Reto Kromer in recognition of his pioneering contributions to audiovisual preservation through practical, accessible, and forward-looking technologies. A mathematician and computer scientist, Kromer has advanced the field through his work on open-source tools, low-energy conservation methods, and digital workflows – including color space analysis and codec emulation. His widely adopted scripts, publications such as Digital Archiving for Film and Video and leadership roles at Cinémathèque Suisse, AV Preservation by reto.ch, and the AMIA board reflect his deep commitment to the archival community. Kromer’s work continues to empower preservationists worldwide with sustainable and transparent solutions.

One-minute acceptance speech

Good evening!

Unfortunately, I cannot be with you for family reasons.

I am particularly honoured to be receiving this award, on one hand, because I am not a SMPTE person and, on the other hand, because it is named after my good friend Jim Lindner.

I began working in this field almost forty years ago, when the Iron Curtain was standing, yet it was possible to collaborate on technical and scientific matters beyond political divisions. Then came brighter times. And now, sadly, we find ourselves once again in an era of division and exclusion. My hope is that our community can find ways to collaborate also in these darkening times.

Finally, my sincere thanks go to my loved ones, colleagues and friends, who have helped and supported me for so long. This was never a one-man show.

Thank you, SMPTE!

Romont FR, 2025-10-05

2025-10-20