French Cinema & the Lumiere Brothers in Provence
Early Days & Top Film Location In France, La Ciotat near Marseille
Sep 22, 2009
A short drive east of Marseille, La Ciotat boasts white sands and roses, a pretty harbour and an old village climbing up the hill. Locals play pétanque in the shade, a French game invented on the spot, but most of all they like to remind everyone that this was the birthplace of the French cinema. They call it the ‘Cité des Lumières’, meaning both city of lights and city of the Lumière Brothers who invented the cinema and brought fame to their town.
French Cinema and the Lumière Brothers in Provence
Louis and Auguste Lumière began their working life in their father’s photographic firm in Lyon. Later they turned their attention to motion pictures and although they were not the only ones to develop the new techniques, they were the first to understand the potential for mass entertainment.
Drawn by the luminous light of Provence, the Lumière Brothers bought 90 acres in La Ciotat and built a sumptuous villa where they entertained their friends. Their new cinema camera was patented in early 1895 and it is generally agreed that the first private viewing was held in La Ciotat later that year.
The Grand Café in Paris claimed the first public show but La Ciotat came into its own when the Eden Theatre opened its doors to a 250 strong audience, thus becoming the first true cinema. Early films included the hilarious Arroseur Arrosé, the gardener who gets drenched.
Early Days of the French Cinema, Museums in La Ciotat near Marseille
The Eden Theatre still stands and from the entrance hall, visitors can gaze at the original room and imagine the panic when the ‘train arriving at the station’ seemed to head straight for the audience. Awaiting restoration, the Eden is open occasionally for film-related exhibitions and shows.
The Espace Michel Simon and the Ciotat Museum both have displays on the early days of the cinema and it may be possible to watch some of the old films.
Meanwhile on the seafront promenade, beach lovers stop to look at the mini triumphal arch erected in memory of the Lumière Brothers while the station, featured in that short terrifying film, sports a commemorative plaque.
Top Film Location, La Ciotat in the South of France
Close to Marseille, La Ciotat boasts a translucent Mediterranean light which has long drawn poets and artists. Today film directors follow in their footsteps.
Sun and light are almost guaranteed, the scenery is superb and above all varied. On this romantic Gulf of Love, there are quiet creeks and beautiful beaches, tropical waters, islands, lush gardens and arid hills, scenic roads and dramatic cliffs.
With over 100 films in less than 20 years, La Ciotat has played a major role alongside Marseille as a top location in the French cinema world. Productions range from short and full length films to documentaries, advertising and video clips for stars such as Robbie Williams.
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