Third Latin American Cinema Film Movement Study

Summary

The video discusses the Third Cinema movement, which emerged in Latin America during the 1960s and 70s, focusing on cultural and artistic expression from third-world countries. Influenced by historical colonialism, films in this genre emphasized themes of poverty, identity, and decolonization, often portrayed through socially realistic narratives. Pioneered by filmmakers like Fernando Solanas and Octasio Getino, the movement initially aimed to support anti-colonial sentiments but evolved to embrace greater artistic freedom over time. Notable films, such as 'Three Sad Tigers' and 'The Hour of the Furnaces,' highlight the shifting focus within this impactful cinematic revolution.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Third Cinema emerged as a global movement, emphasizing the cultural and artistic vision of third world countries, particularly in Latin America during the 1960s and 70s.
• 🎬 The movement officially began in 1967 with the release of a controversial film, distinguishing itself from classical Hollywood and Italian neo-realism.
• 📖 Unlike Hollywood's influences, Third Cinema was shaped by the colonization of Latin America, focusing on themes like poverty, class culture, personal identity, colonialism, revolution, and tyranny.
• ✊ The films in this genre are rooted in a Marxist aesthetic and sought to promote the decolonization of the third world through socially realistic portrayals.
• 🎥 Julio Garcia described the movement as creating 'an imperfect cinema' that was partisan and committed to social issues.
• 👥 A key feature of Third Cinema was the inexperience of its filmmakers and actors, which was intentional and contributed to a fresh perspective on filmmaking.
• ⏳ The historical context of Latin America, including Spanish colonization and subsequent struggles for independence, influenced the sentiment of isolationism within the films.
• 💔 The strong emphasis on anti-colonial themes in Third Cinema gradually diminished, allowing for more artistic freedom in filmmaking.
• 📽️ Films like 'Three Sad Tigers' began to diverge from the central theme of decolonization, illustrating the evolving nature of the movement.
• ⚖️ Despite its decline in anti-colonial messaging, Third Cinema played a pivotal role in integrating third world influences into Latin American cinema.

Q & A

What is the Third Cinema movement?

The Third Cinema movement is a global initiative that emerged in the 1960s and 70s, led by filmmakers from Third World countries, primarily in Latin America, aiming to incorporate their cultural and artistic perspectives into cinema.

When did the Third Cinema movement officially start?

The movement officially started in Latin America in 1967 with the release of a controversial film.

What historical events influenced the Third Cinema movement?

The movement was influenced by the colonization of Latin America, the subsequent struggles for independence from European rulers, and the ongoing interference from foreign powers.

How does Third Cinema differ from classical Hollywood cinema?

Third Cinema differs from classical Hollywood by emphasizing themes such as poverty, class culture, personal identity, colonialism, revolution, and tyranny, rather than focusing on mainstream narratives influenced by events like the Great Depression.

Who coined the term 'Third Cinema'?

The term 'Third Cinema' was coined by Argentine filmmakers Fernando Solanas and Octavio Getino.

What was the primary aesthetic associated with Third Cinema?

The primary aesthetic of Third Cinema is rooted in Marxist ideology, emphasizing social realism and the portrayal of real-life experiences in a politically charged context.

Why was inexperience among filmmakers encouraged in Third Cinema?

Inexperience was encouraged to introduce fresh perspectives and to challenge traditional filmmaking norms, allowing for more authentic portrayals of the realities of life in Third World countries.

What themes became less emphasized in the Third Cinema movement over time?

The strong emphasis on anti-colonial themes and the decolonization of the Third World diminished over time, allowing for greater artistic freedom in filmmaking.

Can you give an example of a film from the Third Cinema movement and its significance?

An example is 'Three Sad Tigers,' which portrays a realistic view of Santiago's underworld and diverges from the movement's initial focus on decolonization.

What was the overall impact of the Third Cinema movement on global cinema?

The Third Cinema movement significantly influenced global cinema by promoting the representation of Third World narratives and inspiring future filmmakers to explore diverse and socially relevant themes.