Watch Discovering Cinema

Discovering Cinema from Flicker Alley is a fascinating documentary series that provides a comprehensive look at the history of cinema. Through rare and archival footage, expert commentary, and vivid storytelling, the series takes viewers on a journey through the evolution of filmmaking, from the birth of cinema in the late 19th century to the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond.

The series is divided into four parts, each exploring a different era in film history. Part One, "The Birth of the Cinema," examines the early days of filmmaking, when pioneers like the Lumière Brothers and Georges Méliès first began to experiment with the new medium. Through rare footage and interviews with film historians, we learn about the early techniques and innovations that paved the way for the modern cinema.

Part Two, "The Hollywood Dream," focuses on the Golden Age of Hollywood, when studios like MGM, Warner Bros., and Paramount dominated the industry. Through interviews with directors, actors, and crew members, as well as rare behind-the-scenes footage, the series captures the magic and spectacle of Hollywood's most iconic films.

Part Three, "The Rise of the Indies," explores the changing landscape of the film industry in the 1960s and 70s, when independent filmmakers like John Cassavetes, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola began to challenge the dominance of the studio system. Through interviews with these filmmakers and others, as well as rare clips from their films, we see how their work brought new perspectives and voices to American cinema.

Finally, Part Four, "The Digital Revolution," traces the evolution of cinema in the age of new technologies, from the rise of digital filmmaking to the impact of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon. Through interviews with filmmakers and industry experts, we see how these new technologies are changing the way films are made, distributed, and consumed.

Throughout the series, the filmmakers make use of rare and archival footage to bring film history to life. From the earliest silent films to the latest digital blockbusters, viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of cinematic history, filled with fascinating characters, stories, and techniques. The series also features interviews with some of the most influential figures in film history, including George Lucas, Robert Altman, and Christopher Nolan, who offer their insights and perspectives on the medium they love.

Perhaps most importantly, Discovering Cinema from Flicker Alley presents film history as a living, evolving art form, one that continues to inspire and challenge filmmakers around the world. By highlighting the achievements of past masters and the innovations of contemporary artists, the series encourages viewers to explore the rich and diverse world of cinema for themselves, and to discover the joy and beauty that can be found in this endlessly fascinating medium.

Overall, Discovering Cinema from Flicker Alley is an engrossing, informative, and entertaining documentary series that is sure to delight film lovers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood movies, independent cinema, or cutting-edge digital technology, there's something here for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let the magic of the movies unfold before your eyes.

Discovering Cinema is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between January 1, 2003 and on Flicker Alley