World cinema is somewhat hard to define as a term. Usually it has the following components: it is not a Hollywood production, it is often not English spoken (but not by definition), and the term carries a feeling of 'art-house' sensibilities. It can be a bit of an Anglo-centric term. Most people associate 'world cinema' with a certain degree of 'foreignness', or more exotic films. For the purpose of this list titles are chosen from a variety of continents and genres. The focus is on smaller productions, mostly from countries with smaller, or less watched abroad, film industries.
The entries on this list consist of various classic pieces of world cinema. Some of these films and / or filmmakers are quite well known in their respective countries. Some have enjoyed international successes, or can be well-known in certain circles. But for whatever reason these films remain more obscure than they deserve to be. Here are forgotten masterpieces of world cinema.
