Long before streaming, special effects and blockbuster franchises, filmmakers were inventing an entirely new art form. This course traces the remarkable development of cinema from its technological origins to the emergence of Hollywood as the world's leading film centre. Beginning with magic lantern shows, optical toys and the pioneering motion studies of Muybridge and Marey, we explore how moving pictures were created and how audiences first experienced them. We follow the groundbreaking work of the Lumière brothers, Georges Méliès, Alice Guy and Edwin S. Porter, before examining Australia's early contributions to film history. Whether you're a film lover, history enthusiast or curious newcomer, this course offers a fascinating introduction to the formative decades of cinema. 

No prior knowledge is required. Designed as a standalone course or as a companion to Vol. 2, this series offers a rich exploration of the creativity, innovation and global influence of silent cinema.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Week 1: Before Cinema to the Nickelodeon (to c.1908)
• Week 2: Learning to Tell a Story (1908-1916)
• Week 3: Hollywood Rises (1916-1928)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the major technological and artistic developments that led to the creation of cinema and its early growth. Identify key filmmakers, films and innovations that shaped silent storytelling between 1895 and the 1920s. Assess how Hollywood emerged as the dominant force in global film production during the silent era.