The world's first known animated feature film was made in Argentina.
The Birth of Feature Animation in Argentina
Argentina holds the distinction of being the country where the first known animated feature film, El Apóstol, was created and released. This groundbreaking cinematic achievement marked a significant milestone in the history of animation, paving the way for future animated storytelling.
Key Details of El Apóstol
El Apóstol was a pioneering work directed by Quirino Cristiani, an Argentine cartoonist and director. Released on November 9, 1917, this successful 70-minute political satire set a precedent for animated storytelling on a larger scale.
Here are some notable facts about El Apóstol:
- Director: Quirino Cristiani
- Release Date: November 9, 1917
- Country of Origin: Argentina
- Length: Approximately 70 minutes, making it the first known animated feature film.
- Technique: The film utilized a unique cardboard cutout animation technique.
- Frames: It reportedly comprised 58,000 frames, animated at 14 frames per second.
- Genre: A political satire, reflecting the social and political climate of its time.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Film Title | El Apóstol |
| Director | Quirino Cristiani |
| Release Date | November 9, 1917 |
| Country | Argentina |
| Runtime | 70 minutes |
| Animation Method | Cardboard Cutout |
| Frames per Second | 14 fps |
Significance in Animation History
El Apóstol was not only a technical marvel for its era but also a testament to early cinematic innovation. Its success demonstrated the potential of animation beyond short subjects and laid a foundation for future animated features worldwide. Although the original film is now considered a lost film, its historical importance as the first known animated feature film remains undisputed.
For more information on the evolution of animation, you can explore resources like the History of animation on Wikipedia.
