Reel Film Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Feb 24, 2022
Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa
On Reel Film Day, screenings at independent theatres across the US and the Alamo Drafthouse displays 35 mm films, as an effort to preserve history.

Where is Reel Film Day celebrated?

The day is celebrated in the US to commemorate the great revolutionary period of 35mm film in the movie industry.

Who is Reel Film Day celebrated by?

The day is celebrated by anyone who enjoys films. Movie fans enjoy watching events on television or attending public open shows, cinephiles watch their favorite classics and discover the fun insights with their friends.

When did Reel Film Day first start?

The first Reel Film Day was announced in 2017, and it is celebrated annually on March 5.

Who started Reel Film Day?

The Alamo Draft House and Kodak started the first-ever Reel Film Day. An array of beautiful timeless classics are displayed on 35 mm films during this day.

History And Timeline

Countless people have given valuable contributions to the production and invention of 35 mm film, ranging from technicians to filmmakers. The first person is Thomas Edison, the inventor of the projector and the camera capable of shooting film on.

As the projector and camera of Edison had a width of 35 mm, they needed films with a similar width.

Founder of the Eastman Kodak Company (known as Kotak's), George Eastman produced the film, which eventually was used to make movies. Kodak supplies film reels, which are used for movies to date.

Pioneers In Film Making

The first moving picture was shown through the Bioscope in Berlin, and the Lumiere brothers invented a filming system.

1895

First Woman Director

Alice Guy was the first woman to direct a movie. 'The Fairy Of The Cabbages' was the first film with a narrative!

1896

The Era Of Long Movies

The first 60-minute film, 'The Story of the Kelly Gang' was released in Australia.

1906

Birth Of Hollywood

The earliest Hollywood studio was opened on Sunset Boulevard.

1911

Hollywood Celebrates Golden Age

American cinema's characteristic technical and narrative style defined the Golden Age of Hollywood.

'20s

Traditions And Customs

Film making is a combination of art and engineering to produce the best entertainment. Reel Film Day is observed to remember the spectacular achievements of technicians behind film screenings. Cinephiles love this big day of entertainment as it is a perfect excuse to become excited about their favorite film stars, movies, characters, and other trivia.

Ways To Celebrate Reel Film Day

Celebrate Reel Film Day by watching 35mm film screenings. Did you know 'Wonder Woman' and 'Interstellar' are 35 mm movies?

Watch a classic if you are not able to find a 35mm film, after all, it is the day of celebrating movies!

Attend an event at a local theater. Sometimes independent theaters host various events, like showing movies shot on film the entire day.

Facts And Stats

  • The day is observed by film screenings and social events organized by cinemas across the US.
  • On Reel Film Day, events like trailer launches, movie releases, parties, and many other related social functions occur in the American film industry.
  • Reel Film Day showcases the beautiful art shot on film and helps you to enjoy the glorious history of 35mm film.

What is the significance of Reel Film Day?

On March 5th, film-lovers celebrate the creation of films by enjoying the richness and depth only reels can portray. Reel Film Day is the celebration of a 35mm film that has shaped history.

How is Reel Film Day different from Drive-In Movie Day?

Reel Film Day commemorates the movies that were shot on film reels. In contrast, Drive-In Movie Day honors the tradition of watching movies in vehicles or on the grass.

Are film reels still used?

Film reels are used today, even though digital filming has overtaken them. Every year, many movies are shot on films for many reasons, like efficiency, nostalgia, simplicity, and of course the look of it!

What is a two-reeler film?

It is a short silent movie, approximately 20 minutes in duration. The term typically refers to comedy.

How long is a two-reel movie?

A two-reel movie is 15-24 minutes long. It was once believed that viewers could not appreciate a movie longer than that period.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, March 04, 2020
  • Thursday, March 04, 2021
  • Friday, March 04, 2022
  • Saturday, March 04, 2023
  • Monday, March 04, 2024

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Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

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Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

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Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English

Shruti Thapa picture

Shruti ThapaBachelor of Arts specializing in English

With a passion for American, British, and children's literature, Shruti is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree at Garden City University, Bengaluru. Her fluency in Nepali, Hindi, and Mandarin demonstrates her linguistic abilities and global perspective. In addition to her literary pursuits, she has a keen interest in non-fiction literature, aesthetics, early childhood education, and Egyptian history. Shruti's research paper 'Bringing Art Illustrations In Education And Pop Culture' showcases her proficiency in these areas and her dedication to academic excellence.

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