First Stories: Early Film Narratives, 1901-1912
September 16, 2013
Northwest Film ForumSeattle, WA
A program of short films that trace the early evolution of narrative cinema, with famous and obscure selections from America, France, and Britain.
Directors included Edwin S. Porter, D.W. Griffith, Cecil Hepworth, Gaston Méliès, James Williamson, and others.
All films were shown from 16mm prints.
(This program was dedicated to the memory of Otto “Mitch” Mattson, noted Seattle cinephile and Sprocket Society supporter.)
As the pure novelty of moving pictures lost its allure during cinema's early history, the “cinema of attractions” quickly gave way to storytelling. The first decade of the 20th century saw rapid developments in how to achieve narrative in cinematic form. Drawing initially from theatrical traditions, filmic grammar evolved and a new art form was born.
Tonight the Sprocket Society presents a program of short films that trace the early evolution of narrative cinema, with famous and obscure selections — some quite rare — from America, France, and Britain.
Presented from 16mm prints using a theatrical-grade projector, with a variety of recorded musical accompaniments.
