Rethinking Third Cinema

This anthology, Rethinking Third Cinema, revisits Third Cinema theory, examining its significance and the cinematic practices of developing nations through various case studies.

In Rethinking Third Cinema, contributors delve into the complexities of Third Cinema theory, challenging established notions and exploring the cinematic practices of developing and postcolonial nations. Through a series of case studies focusing on the cinemas of India, Iran, and Hong Kong, the anthology confronts the pressing questions that arise within this framework. By examining the historical and cultural contexts of these films, the authors aim to reinvigorate the discourse surrounding Third Cinema, which has often been overshadowed despite its significance in the global film landscape.

The movement known as Third Cinema emerged as a response to the socio-political realities of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, advocating for a film-making approach that emphasizes issues of race, class, religion, and national identity. Directors such as Ousmane Sembene, Satyajit Ray, and Nelson Pereira dos Santos produced films that not only captured the struggles of their societies but also contributed to a broader understanding of cinema as a tool for social change. However, the momentum of Third Cinema theory seems to have waned in recent years, prompting a need for renewed examination.

Rethinking Third Cinema seeks to address this decline by presenting innovative methodologies and reconsidering the film-making practices in what is often referred to as the 'Third World.' By highlighting the cinematic contributions of nations like India, Iran, and Hong Kong, the anthology aspires to bring Third Cinema theory back into critical discussions, ensuring its relevance in contemporary cinema studies.