The Story of Film: An Odyssey is a 15-part documentary series that explores the history of cinema from its origins to the present day, through the eyes of filmmaker Mark Cousins. The final chapter, The Story of Film: A New Generation, looks at the state of cinema in the 21st century, and how it is changing in response to the digital age, the rise of streaming services, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The episode begins by examining the impact of Covid-19 on the film industry, from the closure of cinemas to the postponement of major releases. Cousins speaks to industry insiders about how the pandemic has forced filmmakers to rethink their approach to storytelling, and how the rise of streaming services has disrupted the traditional cinema model.
The episode then looks at how filmmakers are experimenting with new ways of storytelling, using virtual and augmented reality, interactive experiences, and social media platforms to engage audiences in new ways. Cousins also looks at how filmmakers around the world are grappling with issues of identity, representation, and diversity, and how new voices are emerging in cinema.
Finally, the episode considers the future of cinema, and how it will continue to evolve in response to changing technological, social, and cultural forces. Through interviews with industry insiders, filmmakers, and critics, Cousins offers a compelling portrait of how cinema is adapting to the challenges of the 21st century, and how it will continue to shape our lives and imaginations in the years to come.
