the Exit of the Lumière factory in Lyon is one of first films of the history of the Cinéma. It is sometimes regarded as first film to be projected as a public, sometimes like the first Documentary film of the history.

This 45 second old scene was turned in summer 1895 by the Frères Light. One sees there the exit of the workmen, primarily workers, factory of the Lumière brothers with 25 rue Saint Victor, Montplaisir, Lyon.

refuse to regard film as the first documentary one of the history because several elements seem to indicate that the workmen were directed by the Frères Light. Nevertheless, in many documentary, the “actors” are directed by the team, without that calling into question the documentary character of produced film.

There exists in fact three versions of this film and it is only in the last (most known) that all the characters manage to leave and close the factory before the end of the film.

External bonds

• the film on the site of the Institute Light (or direct link)