Certain film movements, the Soviet Propaganda, French New Wave, and other have sought to redefine the meaning of film or the way in which stories were told via film. They were distinguished for their rebellion from what ever existed before. True as it is that these film movements were characterized by their distinctions from other film movements, it seems to me a fallible notion to come up with something better by discounting what already exists.

Certain film movements, the Soviet Propaganda, French New Wave, and other have sought to redefine the meaning of film or the way in which stories were told via film. They were distinguished for their rebellion from what ever existed before. True as it is that these film movements were characterized by their distinctions from other film movements, it seems to me a fallible notion to come up with something better by discounting what already exists. 

To recognize the contributions of existing work empowers the filmmaker, making ample resources available instead of limiting their work to a particular style. The principle at play here is gratitude, a willing acknowledgment that we are better filmmakers today because of the successes and mistakes of those previous to us. The idea goes further though than just an a reverence for past work. There are profoundly significant principles from each previous movement that ought to inform the way in which we do our work as filmmakers.

To sight only one example, the Italian Neo-Realism movement rose literally from the ashes of a war-ravaged country. A sense of sobering humility graces the films from this time period. Refreshingly sparse yet honest, these films demonstrate the power of story over any other consideration. Most at this point are too tucked away in my memory to reference individually, but as a whole the Italian Neo-Realism movement, though it faded as time passed, is a true case study in humility. Humility doesn’t need come as a result of circumstance. Indeed, humility can be learned without being forced. We can learn from the success of the Italian Neo-realists how to become filmmakers, regardless of our present circumstances.