What is Third Cinema?
Various film theories and study styles exist to guide the representation of film projects and how they are studied. In fact, throughout the film industry there are many different styles and studies of film movements and aesthetics including third cinema. But what is Third Cinema in film? And what does it even mean?
WHAT IS THIRD CINEMA?
Third Cinema is a politically-driven movement toward the study of filmmaking. Which has principles dating back to, and defined in, the 1960s and 1970s. This area of study continues to influence the filmmaking practices and strategies that are utilized in projects to this day.
Third cinema represents a political, cultural, social and otherwise disillusioned means of guiding filmmakers throughout the third world countries and regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Third Cinema influences the filmmaking strategies of its origins in so-called Third-World countries or regions. And references the power of delivering social commentary that has the power to encourage and inspire change despite the boundaries or region.
While the term is used loosely to represent forces of Third World nations? The term “Third World Cinema” is equally representative of the dominant First World nations. Which are responsible for the majority of our national film productions particularly those of Hollywood films.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIRD CINEMA?
n any answer to the question, “What is Third Cinema?” It only makes sense to equally dive into a constructive answer of what the purpose is behind Third Cinema?
Although films that use Third Cinematic style will definitely have diverse messages and varied content based on their country of origin and various other factors. Such as the resources they have available and the political or social climate of the region in which the film is produced.
Many of the underlying principles or purposes behind Third Cinema are likely to remain the same as they represent guiding principles relative to this particular filmmaking style.
For example, most Third Cinema films will represent the following unique issues while addressing important questions.
UNDERLYING PURPOSES AND GOALS BEHIND THIRD CINEMA INCLUDE:
- Liberation of the oppressed.
- Engaging questions of identity.
- Engaging community questions particularly as they pertain to disproportionate populations and the underserved.
- Challenging previously held conceptions particularly those relative to hidden struggles of women or the representation of impoverished classes or minorities.
- Facilitating the interaction between large groups and intellectuals using film to educate.
NORMS AND CRITIQUES
Although Third Cinema may incorporate a variety of cultural norms and political critiques that challenge the views of historical decisions, backgrounds, and social power.
The goals are frequently to illustrate those processes that have created the injustice, oppression and other issues while equally delivering details on transformative options to improve outcomes in these situations.
The Takeaway
So what is Third Cinema? It’s a guided principle of which cinematic expression focuses on delivering social and political commentary through guiding principles of Third World perspectives.
It represents a unique movement toward examining diaspora populations. Located not only in the Third World but also within the First World as well.
