I. Who is Satyajit Ray? Satyajit Ray was an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, music composer, graphic artist, and author who is widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema. He was born on May 2, 1921, in Calcutta, British India (now Kolkata, India), and passed away on April 23, 1992. Ray … Read more
I. What is Cinema Verité? Cinema Verité, also known as Direct Cinema or observational documentary, is a style of filmmaking that aims to capture real-life events as they unfold without interference from the filmmaker. The term “Cinema Verité” is French for “truthful cinema,” and it emphasizes the idea of presenting reality in its most authentic … Read more
I. What is Soviet Montage Theory? Soviet Montage Theory is a film editing approach that originated in the Soviet Union in the 1920s. It is a style of filmmaking that emphasizes the juxtaposition of images to create meaning and evoke emotional responses from the audience. The theory is based on the idea that the meaning … Read more
I. What is Nollywood? Nollywood is the colloquial term used to refer to the Nigerian film industry, which is considered to be the second largest film industry in the world in terms of output, producing over 2,500 films annually. The term “Nollywood” is a portmanteau of Nigeria and Hollywood, reflecting the influence of the American … Read more
I. Who were the Lumière Brothers? The Lumière Brothers, Auguste and Louis Lumière, were French inventors, filmmakers, and pioneers in the field of cinematography. Born in the late 19th century, Auguste (1862-1954) and Louis (1864-1948) were sons of Antoine Lumière, a prominent photographer and manufacturer of photographic equipment. The brothers inherited their father’s passion for … Read more
I. What is a Film Festival? A film festival is an event that showcases a selection of films from various filmmakers, production companies, and countries. These festivals can range from small, local events to large, internationally recognized gatherings. Film festivals provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to a diverse audience, including industry … Read more
I. What are Minor Studios? Minor studios refer to smaller production companies within the film industry that typically have lower budgets, fewer resources, and produce a smaller number of films compared to major studios. These studios often focus on niche markets, independent films, and experimental projects. While major studios dominate the mainstream market with big-budget … Read more
What is German Expressionism? German Expressionism was an artistic movement that emerged in Germany in the early 20th century. It encompassed various art forms, including painting, literature, architecture, and film. The movement was characterized by a focus on expressing raw emotions, inner turmoil, and psychological depth through distorted and exaggerated visuals. German Expressionism sought to … Read more
I. What is Parallel Cinema? Parallel Cinema refers to a movement in Indian cinema that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a response to the dominant mainstream Bollywood industry. Also known as New Indian Cinema or Indian New Wave, Parallel Cinema aimed to create a more realistic and socially relevant form of filmmaking that … Read more
I. What is a Feature Film? A feature film is a full-length motion picture that is typically over 60 minutes in length and is intended for theatrical release. Feature films are the most common type of film that audiences are familiar with, and they are often the main focus of the film industry. These films … Read more
