cinema

Cinema, also known as motion pictures, is the art and technology of creating and presenting moving images for public or private viewing. It encompasses the process from concept and production to distribution and exhibition, and may refer to the medium itself as well as the industry behind it. Cinema combines cinematography, directing, acting, editing, sound, and music to tell stories or convey information.

The modern cinema emerged in the late 19th century with experiments in capturing and projecting moving images. Pioneers such as the Lumière brothers and Thomas Edison popularized short films and public screenings. By the 1920s synchronized sound established film as a dominant mass medium, while Hollywood became a major production hub and European movements such as Italian Neorealism and the French New Wave influenced world cinema.

Craft and technology: Filmmaking involves development, production, post-production, distribution, and exhibition. Core components include screenplay, cinematography, directing, editing, production design, and sound. Advances from color and practical effects to digital editing and computer-generated imagery transformed workflows and aesthetics. Projection shifted from film reels to digital cinema and streaming platforms, changing access and revenue models.

Impact and scope: Cinema shapes culture, identity, and politics, and varies by region. It supports entertainment, education, and documentary work. Industry issues include copyright, censorship, accessibility, and the economics of distribution. As technology evolves, cinema adapts with immersive formats and on-demand viewing while maintaining traditional theatrical experiences.