REPRESENTATION OF HISTORICAL FILMS ON STREAMING PLATFORMS

Authors

  • PhD candidate Inese Boka-Grūbe Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55877/cc.vol27.542

Keywords:

historical films, classical films, film distribution, audience reception, digital streaming platforms, film curation, gatekeepers

Abstract

The digital transformation of the audiovisual sector in recent years has not only reshaped the production and distribution of films but also largely transfigured the reception of films and audience engagement. This also calls for re-evaluation of the representation and promotion of historical films and classical films on digital streaming platforms. As a film producer and researcher of film reception and the paratexts of historical films, the author of the current article aims to examine how historical films and classical films (produced during the Soviet occupation period) are presented in the catalogues of Latvian streaming platforms, as well as the potential lack of contextual information and supplementary promotional materials for audiences.

The author explores the notion of gatekeepers and the shift from human curation towards AI-generated algorithm technology that curates the catalogues and frames potential viewers, thereby making an impact on the audience reception.

There is a striking difference in the way and means local and global platforms create the so-called viewing lists for viewers. However, an improved audience experience could be achieved by collaborating with historians, film critics, and experts in curating the catalogues and providing cultural and historical contexts for films for a contemporary audience.

Supporting Agencies
The research was carried out within the project “Cultural and creative ecosystem of Latvia as a resource of resilience and sustainability” / CERS (No. VPP-MM-LKRVA-2023/1-0001), funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia in the framework of the State Research Programme “Latvian Culture – a Resource for National Development” (2023– 2026). The State Research Programme is administered by the Latvian Council of Science.

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Author Biography

  • PhD candidate Inese Boka-Grūbe, Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia

    Inese Boka-Grūbe is a PhD candidate and lecturer at the Latvian Academy of Culture, her research field is the reception of historical films. Inese Boka-Grūbe holds a BA in psychology (University of Latvia), an MA in European Studies (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium) and an MA in Audiovisual Arts (Latvian Academy of Culture). In 2023, Inese Boka-Grūbe was a Fulbright visiting research student at Temple University in Philadelphia, USA. Inese Boka-Grūbe is a partner and producer at the Latvian film production company Mistrus Media, working as a film producer since 2005 on feature documentaries, historical fiction films and TV series. Inese Boka-Grūbe is a member of the European Film Academy, the European Producers Club, the Latvian Film Producers Association, and the ACE Producers and EAVE Producers Networks.

References

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Published

25.06.2025

Issue

Section

PLATFORMS AND SPECTATORS