cinephile

Cinephile is a term used to describe a person with a strong, often scholarly, enthusiasm for cinema. The word combines ciné (cinema) with -phile (lover), and the form cinéphile is common in French; the English usage arose in the 20th century to describe serious film fans and critics.

Cinephiles typically seek both breadth and depth in their engagement with film. They watch a wide range of works—from early, historically significant silent films to contemporary international cinema—often focusing on aspects such as directing, cinematography, editing, and film history. They may collect DVD or Blu-ray editions, posters, or books, and participate in discussions, read criticism, and attend retrospectives and film festivals.

Relation to other terms: A cineaste is often someone who makes films or treats cinema as a serious artistic pursuit; a cinephile is primarily a devotee of film as an art and cultural phenomenon. A film buff or film critic overlaps with cinephile but carries different expectations about critique or production.

Cultural context: In some circles cinephilia has been associated with a canon of 'great films' and auteur theory, while critics argue that such focus can be exclusive. The rise of digital distribution and streaming has broadened access and community but also changed the modes of engagement.

Today, cinephilia flourishes in both traditional venues such as repertory cinemas and modern online communities that share recommendations, reviews, and analysis.