Gaumont, the world’s oldest film company, is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. The company’s history began in 1895 when Léon Gaumont acquired the Comptoir Général de Photographie, with a vision to revolutionize cinematic technology and place the audience at the heart of the experience1. Over a century later, the company continues its mission to use films as ‘true vehicles of emotion’.
Founded as Léon Gaumont et Cie, the company entered the world of cinema after the Lumière brothers’ cinematograph presentation. Under the direction of Alice Guy, Gaumont quickly began producing short films to promote its advanced recording and projection equipment. As films transitioned from fairground attractions to dedicated theater experiences, the company pivoted to fiction to provide audiences with new emotions.
Early successes included Alice Guy’s La Fée aux Choux, Louis Feuillade’s Fantômas, and Jean Durand’s Onésime. Throughout its history, Gaumont has consistently adapted to technological changes, from the advent of sound and color to the rise of streaming platforms. The company has expanded its storytelling into new media, producing hit series like Lupin.
The company has also remained dedicated to younger audiences, with animated productions from the early 20th century, such as Émile Cohl‘s Fantoche, to more recent releases like Stillwater and Samurai Rabbit.
In addition, has contributed to numerous French and international successes, including Intouchables, France’s third most-watched film in theaters. Its catalog features cult classics such as Le Dîner de Cons, Les Visiteurs, Van Gogh, La Boum, Carmen, and Illusions Perdues. The company has also made a lasting impact on popular culture with iconic series like Narcos.
With a catalog of over 1,600 works, Gaumont continues to produce and distribute original creations that resonate with and stand the test of time. Through its legacy and forward-looking vision, the company reaffirms its commitment to the art of creating emotions.
