Film Before Film

This documentary presents an exhilarating and amusing overview of the prehistory of cinema. Werner Nekes examines the fascination with moving pictures, covering shadow plays, peep shows, flip books, and magic lanterns. The film also delves into colorful forms of early animation and numerous historical artifacts that shaped the cinematic landscape.

Nekes highlights how early creators produced melodramas, comedies, and even pornography, foreshadowing many film genres present today. The rich visual experience features a bewildering array of exotic and sometimes erotic images and illusions. Film Before Film is not just a documentary but a fascinating exploration of the inventions that paved the way for modern cinema.