Features of the development of French cinema: from the Lumière brothers to the emergence of the "new wave" (late 19th – first half of the 20th century)

The article addresses the issue of the development of French cinema, from its inception to the emergence of the "new wave." The subject of the study is the evolution of French cinema during this period (key cinematic epochs – from silent films to "new wave" films, the work of famous directors, the creation of new genres – comedies, dramas, westerns, musicals). The aim of the research is to analyze how external political pressure and cultural exchanges influenced French filmmakers and cinematic trends. To achieve this, the author emphasizes the interaction between politics and artistic expression, as well as examines the stages of formation and establishment of French cinema and the main achievements of cinematic art in France. The article demonstrates that not only the continuous development of national culture but also external political factors played a role in shaping the stylistic and thematic development of French cinema, culminating in the innovative movement of the "new wave," which challenged traditional cinematic conventions and reflected contemporary socio-political realities. The work is based on the principles of analysis and synthesis, with a methodological foundation that employs a comparative-historical method, relying on film analysis, archival research, and contextual political analysis to uncover the interconnections between the political climate and the development of cinema. The research offers a new perspective by examining the nuances of the influence of Soviet and American political ideologies and cultures on French cinema – an area that has been little studied in the existing literature. Furthermore, the novelty of the work lies in the consistent analysis of the genre characteristics of French cinema, which change according to the historical period. The results of the study may be useful for researching French cinema, as well as the interconnections between political context and national culture. The conclusions of the article emphasize that French cinema acted not only as an actively developing area of culture, despite the upheavals of the 20th century, but also as a peculiar mirror reflecting key events on the international stage and presenting France's main partners – the USSR and the USA – in a new light.