This history covers the filmmaking tradition often referred to as cinema militant, which emerged in France during the events of May 1968 and flourished for a decade. While some films produced were created by established filmmakers, including Chris Marker, Jean-Luc Godard, and William Klein, others were helmed by left-wing filmmakers working in the extreme margins of French cinema. This latter group gave voice to underrepresented populations, such as undocumented immigrants (sans papiers), entry-level factory workers (ouvriers specialises), highly intellectual Marxist-Leninist collectives, and militant special interest groups. While this book spans the broad history of this uncharted tradition, it particularly focuses on these lesser-known figures and works and the films of Cinelutte, Les groupes medvedkine, Atelier de recherche cinematographique, Cinethique, and the influential Marxist filmmaker Jean-Pierre Thorn. Each represent a certain tendency of this movement in French film history, offering an invaluable account of a tradition that also sought to share untold histories.

Articulating in-depth political theories and practical choices, this book is the first to be fair with the work of essential filmmakers and underrated collectives. Even in France, many remain undocumented and underanalyzed. -- Nicole Brenez, Universite Sorbonne Nouvelle

About the Author
Paul Douglas Grant is professor of cinema studies and cochair of research at the School of Architecture, Fine Arts, and Design, University of San Carlos, Philippines. He is also the editor of Lilas: A Graphic History of Cinema in Cebu.


Book Information
ISBN 9780231176675
Author Paul Douglas Grant
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Wallflower Press
Publisher Columbia University Press