The event will showcase newly restored archival films captured by local film pioneer Frederick Lewis Roy. Gala participants will enjoy an exclusive first look at never-before-seen footage documenting life, people, and landmarks in Peterborough and the surrounding region from the 1920's through the 1940's. Guests will also learn about the history of the Roy Studio and the innovative preservation work that made the films accessible once again.

During Peterborough’s flood of 2004, 46 films owned and held by the Roy family sustained water damage and were at risk of being lost. In response, conservators at the PMA froze the films to stabilize and preserve them while a long-term conservation solution could be developed.

In 2025, the Roy family formally gifted the films to the PMA who partnered with master's student Bo Pickett of Toronto Metropolitan University to undertake an ambitious restoration project. Together, the team developed an innovative process to safely thaw, clean, restore, and digitize the damaged films. Their work has made it possible to preserve these important historical records and share them with the community for the first time in decades. The Film Premiere and Gala event will raise funds in support of ongoing digitization and preservation efforts for the PMA’s motion picture film collection. Proceeds will help ensure the remaining films are restored and protected for future generations.