In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, it's easy to overlook the unsung heroes who shaped the industry and brought us the diverse, global film experiences we enjoy today. This article delves into the story of Contemporary Films, a British film distributor that played a pivotal role in popularizing international cinema in the UK, and the fascinating individual behind it all.
The Rise of Contemporary Films
Imagine a time when sophisticated, grown-up cinema, especially foreign-language films, were not the norm in the UK. That's the world Contemporary Films stepped into in 1951. Starting with short films for film societies, they soon moved into feature films, with the Japanese film "Children of Hiroshima" being a notable early release.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the timing. Contemporary Films arrived on the scene when there was a growing appetite for intellectual, foreign "art" films. Charles Cooper, the founder, was in tune with the intellectual climate of the time, and his special interest in Eastern European and underclass-oriented films resonated with this trend.
Charles Cooper: The Man Behind the Curtain
Charles Cooper, an East End Jew and committed communist, saw cinema as a powerful tool for building awareness and fostering a more open, cosmopolitan culture. His background is intriguing: the son of a Ukrainian butcher, he brought Soviet films to the UK before the Second World War and spent the war years in New York, running a film section for the International Workers Order.
One thing that immediately stands out is Cooper's dedication to his craft and his passion for exposing people to different cultures. His daughters describe him as an "internationalist" and a "humanist," someone who didn't separate work from home life. This devotion to his cause and his willingness to involve his family in his work seem to have been key to Contemporary Films' success.
Impact and Legacy
The impact of Contemporary Films extends far beyond the films they distributed. They played a crucial role in introducing UK audiences to world cinema, a shift that had a profound effect on the cultural landscape. Mike Leigh, a renowned director, credits Contemporary Films with exposing him to a whole new world of cinema when he moved to London.
Personally, I think it's a testament to the power of cinema as a cultural force. Contemporary Films, under Cooper's leadership, not only brought great films to the UK but also helped shape the tastes and perspectives of a generation.
A Company's Evolution and Future
As the industry evolved, Contemporary Films faced challenges. The shift to home entertainment formats in the 1990s saw them stick to re-releasing classics from their archive. However, the company has managed to keep going, licensing clips from their extensive catalog.
The current managing director, Pete Lawley, is working on plans to ensure Contemporary Films' future. He recognizes the importance of the company's legacy and wants to build upon it, even if it's a small-scale operation.
In my opinion, this is a story of resilience and a love for cinema. Contemporary Films may have faded from the public eye, but its impact on UK cinema culture is undeniable, and its legacy deserves to be celebrated and continued.
