Thierry Frémaux celebrates cinema's 130th anniversary with film

Thierry Frémaux is making headlines as he prepares for the Cannes Film Festival. He is also the head of the Institut Lumière in Lyon, a museum that focuses on the beginnings of cinema. Today marks the 130th anniversary of cinema, which started with the Lumière brothers’ first film on March 19, 1895. To celebrate, Frémaux is releasing a new feature film titled “Lumière! The Adventure Continues.” This film will showcase nearly 100 early films made by the Lumières. They were the first to record moving images and changed the film industry forever. The film is directed and narrated by Frémaux himself and will be available in France starting today. Frémaux aims to reintroduce these forgotten gems to modern audiences. He recalls watching Lumière films from his childhood. "When I saw the first film, I couldn't believe it was shot in my hometown," he said. He also believes that cinema is a collective invention. He emphasized Louis Lumière's role while acknowledging the contributions of other inventors, like Thomas Edison. When asked about the films featured in the new project, Frémaux highlights their diversity. They include various subjects and styles, showing the breadth of early filmmaking. He even includes a lesser-quality film to show that not every creation was a success. His goal is to present the beauty of these films and the poetic language of cinema. Frémaux believes that the Lumière films are still relevant today. He argues that these early films can help viewers see the world with fresh eyes, free from modern distractions. He describes the films as a way to connect with the past, allowing us to witness a moment of happiness at the end of the 19th century.