pathe

Pathé, often rendered as Pathé or Pathe in English contexts, is a historic French film production and distribution company and a cinema operator. Originating in the late 19th century, it was founded in 1896 as Pathé Frères by Charles Pathé and his brother Théophile Pathé in Paris, developing a vertically integrated business that produced, distributed, and exhibited films and manufactured motion picture equipment. The company rapidly expanded, building large studios and a global distribution network that helped establish cinema as a mass medium.

In the early 20th century Pathé was a leading force in cinema, introducing newsreels such as Pathé Journal and Pathé News and developing color processes like Pathécolor. It established a substantial US presence through Pathé Exchange, distributing many films on the American market and contributing to worldwide film culture.

After World War I and into the sound era, Pathé remained influential but faced competitive and economic pressures that led to reorganizations. The Pathé name was reshaped over the decades, with the modern Pathé Group maintaining interests in film production and distribution and in cinema exhibition through Pathé Cinémas. The Pathé library includes a vast archive of early silent-era titles, newsreels, and later productions.

Today, Pathé is a multinational media company headquartered in Paris, operating principally in Europe with activities spanning development, production, distribution of feature films, and the operation of cinema venues. It remains one of the longest-running names in world cinema, reflecting the enduring legacy of early pioneers in the film industry.