A Timeline of World Cinema is a documentary web series which follows the history of cinema over the last century. The series introduces landmark films, influential filmmakers, and critical ideas in film theory from cinema’s birth to modern day.
If you love movies you may just love the history of movies as well.
Film History: Introduction to World Cinema – Timeline of World Cinema Episode 0
In Episode 0 we introduce the Timeline of World Cinema, our shorthand model that divides the history of cinema into periods based on major technological and industrial changes. The episode also outlines the format for the subsequent episodes. This structure includes special segments in each episode which further explore important figures and films of that time period.
Film History: Pre-Classical Cinema – Timeline of World Cinema Episode 1
In Episode 1 we discuss the birth of cinema, following it’s pre-classical roots before the invention of the feature film. We examine early short films and the early film industry. Spotlights include the innovative Lumiere brothers and their impact on the early film industry. We also explore the groundbreaking feature film The Birth of a Nation, the prototype of the modern film model.
Film History: Pre-Classical Cinema – Timeline of World Cinema Episode 2
In Episode 2 we discuss the studio system and its impact on cinema. We explore global events that favored an American cinema industry, as well as the international response. Spotlights include movie mogul Adolf Zucker and his capitalist practices that shaped the industry forever. Also, we look into Battleship Potemkin, Sergei Eisenstein’s landmark experimental picture montage.
Film History: Pre-Classical Cinema – Timeline of World Cinema Episode 3
In Episode 3 we discuss the Golden Age of Hollywood, its flowering through the birth of sound and color, and its influence on the turbulent times that saw global war and major economic depressions. Spotlights include the censoring bureaucrat Will H. Hays and his infamous Motion Picture Production Code. We also review the quintessential Hollywood picture, The Wizard of Oz.
Film History: Pre-Classical Cinema – Timeline of World Cinema Episode 4
In Episode 4 we discuss the Foreign Wave, a renaissance of global filmmaking. We introduce radical innovations in film editing and plot that transformed cinema forever. Spotlights include Andre Bazin, French film essayist and champion of some of film’s most influential theories, including the notion of director as auteur. We also highlight Akira Kurosawa’s epic Seven Samurai.
Film History: Pre-Classical Cinema – Timeline of World Cinema Episode 5
In Episode 5 we discuss the New Hollywood: The Film School Generation, a period which saw the return of Hollywood through the work of filmmakers who grew up watching television and foreign films. Spotlights include b-movie magician Roger Corman and his influence on many filmmakers whose work define the period. We also look into Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, the landmark summer blockbuster.
Film History: Pre-Classical Cinema – Timeline of World Cinema Episode 6
In Episode 6 we discuss Contemporary Cinema, the modern landscape of cinema, its transformation through digital technology, and the domination of global cinema. Our film spotlight focuses on Wong Kar-wai’s lush and emotive film, In the Mood for Love.
