Janus Films & The Art of Cinema

Janus Films is a distribution company that has profoundly impacted the American film industry. Founded in 1956 in New York City by film enthusiasts Bryant Haliday and Cyrus Harvey Jr., the company sought to bring important international films to American audiences. Janus Films quickly became known for distributing foreign and art house cinema, introducing American audiences to some of cinema history's most artistically respected and influential films.

Janus’ commitment to quality over commercial appeal helped establish a legacy of bringing important and enduring films to audiences worldwide. The company's focus on culturally significant and artistically innovative works helped shape American filmgoers' tastes and preferences and significantly impacted the broader film culture in the United States.

Some of the most notable films distributed by Janus include "The Seventh Seal," "Wild Strawberries," "The 400 Blows," "Breathless," "La Dolce Vita," "Yojimbo," "Persona," "Cleo from 5 to 7," "The Battle of Algiers," and "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie." These films are artistically respected and commercially successful, demonstrating this Distributor’s ability to promote and distribute films outside the mainstream.

Janus' impact on the American film industry is cultural and economic. The company's success in distributing foreign and art house cinema helped establish a niche market for these films, which has continued to grow and evolve. Janus Films' commitment to bringing important and enduring films to audiences worldwide has helped establish cinema's value as an art form and contributed to the growth and development of the film industry.

As viewers, we should seek out these films and use the art of cinema to become more sensitive to the life happening around us and inside us.