Old film industry

Author: Guo Hua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Out of reverence for early filmmakers, nostalgia and imagination for the golden years, and more importantly, as a film researcher's responsibility, I neither wanted nor was willing to let the history of Chinese cinema be forgotten or scattered. Therefore, I took advantage of my unique opportunities to "rummage through the archives" at the Chinese Film Archive: reviewing and searching through numerous dusty film publications, stills, and other books, selecting images from old prints, retaking photographs, and verifying and correcting complex materials. This work is best described as "picking gold from sand." While much effort and heart were poured into it, the results are far from boastful—just three humble works—Old Film World, Old Films, and Old Film Stars. Originally, I intended to present a substantial gift to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Chinese cinema and its filmmakers and readers, but with limited resources, I could only console and lament myself with passion. In today's fast-paced and (frantic) modern society, where dazzling cultural and entertainment forms vie for audiences, film, the mainstay of cultural and entertainment in the last century, is about to enter its 100th year in China. Over this long yet fleeting century, Chinese cinema has traversed a winding path from its infancy to maturity. And along this arduous journey, the period from 1905 to 1949, known as China's early cinema, is worth studying, pondering, and savoring for all those devoted to film. For those who seek a different kind of emotion from the faded and weathered days of yesterday, this extraordinary era also holds a unique charm—history and art intertwined will forever emit an irresistible allure and intoxicating atmosphere.