In the 1920s, a new kind of movie started showing in Paris theatres, and the audiences were… confused.These movies were a radical departure from the ones they had known until then. These new films didn’t have any of the conventional movie staples and instead embraced nonlinear plotlines, surreal visuals, abstract narratives, and experimental techniques. It was as if the abstract painting version of cinema had come to life.Unknown to those audiences, they were witnessing the birth of a movement, a movement of experimental movies—or, as is our topic today, avant-garde cinema.To understand it correctly, think of the avant-garde as cinema’s mad scientists’ lab, where rules are broken, boundaries are pushed, and the future of film is invented. It’s where Salvador Dali teams up with Luis Buñuel and makes a dream sequence that leaves you wondering if you accidentally ate the wrong mushrooms.Anyway, enough of rolling out metaphors, and let’s just see what exactly avant-garde cinema is and what its key features are.What is Avant-Garde Cinema?Avant-garde cinema refers to experimental, non-commercial films that challenge conventional filmmaking techniques, narrative structures, and aesthetic norms. These works prioritize artistic expression and innovation over entertainment or commercial appeal.The term “avant-garde” (French for “advance guard” or “vanguard”) originated in military terminology. It was adopted by artistic movements in the early 20th century to describe works that were ahead of their time and pushed creative boundaries. In film, avant-garde encompasses various movements, including surrealism, expressionism, structural films, and underground cinema.This cinema is rooted in artistic innovation. It...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Yesterday