Cinema in Porto Alegre (1896-1920) - Fábio Augusto Steyer

A History of Cinema in Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre, the capital of the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, has a rich and vibrant history of cinema dating back to the late 19th century. This book, "Cinema in Porto Alegre (1896-1920)" by Fábio Augusto Steyer, provides a comprehensive and engaging account of the early years of cinema in this important Brazilian city.

The Birth of Cinema in Porto Alegre

The first public screening of a motion picture in Porto Alegre took place on July 18, 1896, at the Teatro São Pedro. This historic event marked the beginning of a new era in the city's cultural life, as cinema quickly became a popular form of entertainment for people of all ages and social classes.

The First Movie Theaters

In the early years of cinema in Porto Alegre, films were shown in a variety of venues, including theaters, cafes, and even public squares. However, by the early 1900s, dedicated movie theaters began to appear, and by 1920, there were over a dozen movie theaters operating in the city.

The Golden Age of Silent Cinema

The period from 1910 to 1920 is considered the golden age of silent cinema in Porto Alegre. During this time, the city's movie theaters showed a wide variety of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to European art films. Some of the most popular silent films of the era included "The Birth of a Nation" (1915), "Intolerance" (1916), and "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920).

The Emergence of Brazilian Cinema

In addition to showing foreign films, Porto Alegre's movie theaters also began to show Brazilian films in the early 1900s. Some of the first Brazilian films to be shown in the city included "O Guarani" (1916), "A Filha do Cangaceiro" (1917), and "O Crime da Mala" (1918). These films helped to lay the foundation for the development of a thriving Brazilian film industry.

The Impact of Cinema on Porto Alegre

The introduction of cinema had a profound impact on the cultural life of Porto Alegre. Cinema provided a new form of entertainment for the city's residents, and it also helped to shape the city's identity. The movie theaters of Porto Alegre were places where people could come together to experience new ideas and perspectives, and they played an important role in the city's social and cultural development.

Conclusion

"Cinema in Porto Alegre (1896-1920)" by Fábio Augusto Steyer is a fascinating and informative account of the early years of cinema in this important Brazilian city. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of cinema, Brazilian culture, or the history of Porto Alegre.