Lumière & Company

In 1995, to commemorate the centenary of cinema, forty-one filmmakers from around the world were invited to make a short film using the Lumière brothers' original cinematograph camera and techniques. Each director was given exactly 35 seconds of film and was required to adhere to the Lumière aesthetic, meaning no more than three takes and no editing. The resulting collection offers a diverse and fascinating snapshot of filmmaking styles and perspectives at the end of the 20th century.

Lumière & Company was generally well-received by critics for its innovative concept and the diverse range of artistic visions it presented. Reviewers appreciated the challenge posed to the filmmakers and the resulting creative interpretations. The film is seen as a unique tribute to the origins of cinema, offering both historical context and contemporary artistic expression.

• A fascinating experiment in filmmaking.

• A diverse collection of short films offering a unique historical perspective.

• Showcases the ingenuity of filmmakers working within strict constraints.

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Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 1996 Berlin International Film Festival.

The film was made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first public film screening by the Lumière brothers in 1895.