Filmhistoria

Filmhistoria is the study of the history of cinema, examining how films are made, distributed, exhibited, and interpreted, as well as how technological innovations, industrial structures, and social contexts shape cinematic practice over time. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws on history, media studies, art history, anthropology, and archival science to map the evolution of film as an art form and as a social institution.

The field covers a broad chronological and geographic scope, from late 19th-century experiments through silent cinema, the transition to sound, the rise of the studio system, and postwar transformations, as well as significant movements and genres such as Italian neorealism, French New Wave, and Soviet montage. It also emphasizes global perspectives, including cinemas of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and the ongoing impact of digital technologies, globalization, and platform distribution on production and reception.

Methodologically, filmhistoria relies on primary sources—production and distribution records, scripts, censorship documents, trade journals—and on secondary scholarship, oral histories, and restoration work. It involves cataloging, filmography, archiving, and reception studies, with growing attention to marginalized voices and intercultural exchange.

Preservation and access are central concerns, given fragile stock and changing formats. The study informs how cinema reflects, challenges, and influences cultural norms, technology adoption, and industry practices, and it supports education, curatorial work, and policy discussions.