The Postwar Film Society Movement and Film Culture in Britain: Exeter Studies in Film History

The postwar period in Britain witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of film societies, organizations dedicated to the exhibition, discussion, and appreciation of cinema. These societies played a pivotal role in shaping British film culture, fostering a love of cinema among the general public, and providing a platform for the emergence of new and innovative filmmaking talent. This article explores the history and impact of the postwar film society movement in Britain, examining its origins, development, and legacy. Through an analysis of primary sources and archival research, the article sheds light on the diverse range of film societies that flourished during this period, their motivations, and their contribution to the broader cultural landscape of postwar Britain.

Origins and Development of the Film Society Movement

The origins of the postwar film society movement can be traced back to the interwar period, when a number of film clubs and societies emerged in response to the growing popularity of cinema. These early organizations were often founded by enthusiasts and intellectuals who sought to promote a more discerning and critical approach to film. The outbreak of World War II disrupted the activities of these societies, but the postwar period witnessed a renewed interest in film culture.

The Appreciation of Film: The Postwar Film Society Movement and Film Culture in Britain (Exeter Studies in Film History)

by Lucy Joan King

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In 1945, the British Film Institute (BFI) was established as a national organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of film. The BFI played a crucial role in supporting the growth of the film society movement, providing funding, resources, and expertise to societies across the country. The BFI also organized a number of regional film festivals, which provided a platform for film societies to showcase their work and to network with other organizations.

The postwar period also saw the emergence of a number of independent film societies, founded by individuals and groups who were passionate about cinema. These societies were often more experimental and avant-garde in their programming than the more established BFI-affiliated societies. They played a vital role in introducing British audiences to new and challenging international cinema, and in providing a space for filmmakers to experiment with new forms and techniques.

The Role of Film Societies in Film Culture

Film societies played a multifaceted role in British film culture during the postwar period. They were not only venues for the exhibition of films, but also centers of discussion, debate, and education. Many societies organized regular screenings, lectures, and workshops, which provided members with opportunities to learn more about film history, theory, and criticism. Some societies also produced their own films, and a number of notable filmmakers, including Lindsay Anderson, Karel Reisz, and Tony Richardson, began their careers in the film society movement.

Film societies also played a significant role in the distribution of films. In the postwar period, the major Hollywood studios dominated the British film market, and independent films often struggled to find distribution. Film societies provided an alternative outlet for these films, allowing audiences to see a wider range of cinema than was available through the commercial market.

The Legacy of the Film Society Movement

The postwar film society movement had a lasting impact on British film culture. The societies helped to create a more discerning and critical audience for film, and they played a key role in the development of British film production and distribution. Many of the leading figures in British cinema during the postwar period were involved in the film society movement, and the societies provided a vital training ground for new filmmaking talent.

The legacy of the film society movement can still be seen today. Many of the societies that were founded in the postwar period are still active, and they continue to play a vital role in promoting film culture and education. The BFI continues to support the film society movement, and it organizes a number of events and initiatives aimed at fostering the growth of film societies across the country.

The postwar film society movement in Britain was a significant cultural phenomenon that played a vital role in shaping British film culture. The societies provided a space for the exhibition, discussion, and appreciation of cinema, and they helped to create a more discerning and critical audience for film. The societies also played a key role in the development of British film production and distribution, and they provided a vital training ground for new filmmaking talent. The legacy of the film society movement can still be seen today, and the societies continue to play a vital role in promoting film culture and education in Britain.

Bibliography

* Aldgate, Anthony. Cinema and Society in Britain since 1930. Routledge, 2013. * Barr, Charles. Ealing Studios. Cameron & Tayleur, 1977. * Chibnall, Steve, and Robert Murphy. British Cinema: A History. Routledge, 2011. * Hill, John. British Cinema in the 1950s. Routledge, 2006. * Richards, Jeffrey. Films and British National Identity: From Dickens to Dad's Army. Manchester University Press, 2001. * Smith, Iain Robert. The Cinema Audience: Britain, 1905-1950. Routledge, 2015. * Walker, Alexander. Hollywood, England: The British Film Industry in the Sixties. St. Martin's Press, 1974.

The Appreciation of Film: The Postwar Film Society Movement and Film Culture in Britain (Exeter Studies in Film History)

by Lucy Joan King

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2597 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE