Slovenians Discover Living Photographs: A Book on Early Cinema Pioneer Days

Damir Globočnik, a doctor of art history and history, museum counselor, and art critic, has authored a new book, "Living Photographs," delving into the pioneering days of Slovenian cinematography. This work follows his previous book, "In the Kingdom of Photography," which focused on the first Slovenian photo clubs.

Globočnik's latest book meticulously gathers information and stories about the initial film screenings in Slovenia, how the public embraced the new medium, and the emergence of the country's first cinemas. The title itself, "Living Photographs," reflects the early perception of film, where it was closely intertwined with photography, often being called "living photographs," "living pictures," or "moving pictures."

The book specifically examines early films like Clément Maurice and Henri Lioret's "Hamlet" from 1900, one of the first examples of a sound film, which notably starred the renowned theater actress Sarah Bernhardt. This historical exploration underscores the nascent stages of cinema and its profound impact on Slovenian culture and art.