Known as a phenomenon of the cinema, film also has a long history outside the theater. These moving images, known as nontheatrical films, pushed the bounds of filmmaking and projection to provide experiences in everyday life and unique occasions for a variety of audiences. Today nontheaterical film faces severe preservation challenges, putting its long history at risk. While the preservation challenges of nontheaterical films are serious, with many films already lost, other aspects of the nontheatrical film space can highlight the important history. In particular nontheaterical film catalogs serve as a critical record for the films and the larger industry. Catalogs highlight the extensive subjects of nontheaterical film, the commercial practices of the industry, and the evolution of film technology. Reading between the pages reveals the racial realities of an era of American history, the motivations of sponsors, and the experiences of the public with film technology. Not bad for once-disposable marketing booklets! Click to see the importance of catalogs in the nontheaterical experience!
Credits
By: Joshua Koepke