art film

American  

[ahrt film] / ˈɑrt ˌfɪlm /

noun

1. a movie made primarily for aesthetic reasons rather than commercial profit, often of an experimental nature or having an unconventional or highly symbolic content, aimed typically at a limited audience.

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Etymology

Origin of art film

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Nonetheless, she made pioneering installation art, film and photography, much of which she called “earth-body” work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

“I love ‘Hacks’ and think Hannah displays incredible acting chops, but it’s a sitcom, and I’m making something more of an art film.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2025

They’re approachable and engaging, and while she’s working within the recognizable parameters of the classic art film — her stories are elliptical, her authorship unambiguous — there’s nothing programmatic about her work.

From New York Times • Mar. 28, 2024

Originally that meant exploring the dynamic relationship between a "text" — which could be writing, visual art, film or something else — and its social context.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2024

"He was extremely talented at so many things - music, art, film making, comedy - and pursued all of them passionately."

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2023