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

State of the art film stock brought sharper, colour images to audiences.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

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

“Sirât” is giving odd comfort in a cultural moment of uncertainty, a rare outcome for a low-budget art film.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 6, 2025

“Poor Things” collected $117 million, a solid total for a surreal art film.

From New York Times • Apr. 14, 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