Cinematic Rotterdam

This publication zooms in on the part that cinema has played in urban development in between 1920 and 1980. Rotterdam serves as the inspiring example of this subject matter, as it is observed from an international perspective. Apparently, this city has its very own history in film. Besides providing the backdrop for many feature films and avant-garde classics, this book describes how the city has established and maintained its character via thousands of promotional and educational films, and television programmes. This diverse collection of filmed material represents the audio-visual sampling of Rotterdam’s modern genesis. Every single piece of footage has contributed to this compilation by means of provoking public attention, creating a sense of commitment, or facilitating mediation in a wide range of social issues. Why would many architects and urban developers have made their cinematic efforts in the city of Rotterdam? This book conveys that especially in Rotterdam the journalistic, social, and commercial interests – which are inherently embedded in the cultural ecology – have always been intertwined; albeit in competition or cooperation. However, this particular publication by film-connoisseur Floris Paalman is not simply a thorough study on the history of audio-visual media on Rotterdam, but it is especially a conceptual exploration of a hidden dimension of the city itself. Besides an extensive and comprehensive reference book for policymakers, researchers, commissioners, and producers in the fields of architecture, media, and social studies, this overview makes a fascinating visual guide for anyone who might be interested in looking at the city of Rotterdam from a different angle: through a lens.