Abstract

This study analyzes the characteristics of the social value creation process through the collective appreciation of film. It focuses on the historical development of community cinema in Japan. In modern-day Japan, where digital video is easily accessible and the use of private, personalized media spaces widespread, a sub-culture of collective film appreciation is spreading, as more and more Japanese begin to attend movie screenings in non-commercial theaters. In addition, Japanese community cinema center has begun to integrate and support this viewing experience, which has come to be known as community cinema. A literature review revealed the following characteristics of community cinema. First, local theater screening groups or appreciation groups cooperate with residents to establish and operate movie theaters. Second, these spaces create theoretical and practical participatory learning opportunities that foster understanding of and participation in film culture, through large-scale associations with organizations or institutions that offer viewings. Third, based on collective appreciation, the film culture created through repeated joint viewings produces a social arena in which community can be realized. In these communities film can be put to socially productive uses, such as problem solving.