Films Reflecting Cultural and Institutional Contexts
Cultural Films produced and distributed by New and Unique Videos® document and reflect the cultural, social, and institutional concerns of their time. These works span a wide range of subjects and audiences, functioning as historical records of how ideas, identities, authority, and public issues were communicated through film.
Rather than fitting neatly into traditional documentary or instructional categories, Cultural Films occupy a contextual space. They reveal how video was used to explain, frame, and present aspects of contemporary life, often for specific audiences and moments.
Scope of the Collection
The Cultural Films collection includes works that explore:
- Popular culture and performance
- Institutional communication and public concern
- Social norms, identity, and representation
- Public awareness and explanatory media
- Media created for specific cultural or professional audiences
These films are best understood as cultural artifacts, offering insight into the values, anxieties, and frameworks of the periods in which they were produced.
Selected Works
California Big Hunks
A film reflecting performance, masculinity, and spectacle within late-20th-century consumer video culture. The work documents how fantasy, presentation, and identity were shaped and marketed during the VHS era.
Anti-Terrorism: Weapons & Tactics
An explanatory film addressing security concerns, terminology, and institutional frameworks prevalent at the time of its production. The film reflects how fear, risk, and authority were communicated to audiences through video.
Context Within the Archive
Cultural Films complement other major collections within the New and Unique Videos® archive, including Documentaries, Educational Films, Mountain Biking Films, and Music Films. Together, these collections illustrate the varied ways film has been used to inform, explain, document, and reflect lived experience.
Access and Use
Cultural Films from the New and Unique Videos® archive may be available for viewing, research, exhibition, or licensing, depending on title and format.
For inquiries regarding access, screening, or licensing, please visit the Contact or Licensing & Permissions page.