Watch WWI's First Frontline Cameraman

WWI's First Frontline Cameraman is a powerful and gripping documentary that tells the true story of one man's quest to capture the reality of war on film. The film tells the story of Geoffrey Malins, who was a pioneering war cinematographer during the First World War. Malins was one of the first camera operators to venture onto the frontline during the war, risking his life to capture the unimaginable horror of what was arguably the most devastating conflict in modern history. He was responsible for some of the most iconic footage of the war, including the famous "Battle of the Somme" film, which was seen by millions of people across the world.

This documentary tells the story of Malins' life, from his early beginnings as a filmmaker to his experiences on the frontlines of the war. Using a combination of rare archive footage and interviews with historians and experts, the film beautifully captures the human cost of the war, showing the harsh realities of life in the trenches, and the sacrifice of the soldiers who fought there.

The film takes us on a journey through the history of the First World War, chronicling the major battles, the impact of trench warfare, and the changing nature of combat as the war progressed. We see some of the most dramatic moments of the war, including the infamous gas attacks, the brutal battles of the Somme and Passchendaele, and the impact of aerial warfare.

But at the heart of the film is Malins himself, a brave and pioneering filmmaker who risked everything to capture the truth of what was happening on the frontlines. We see the incredible danger he faced, from enemy snipers to artillery shells, and how he overcame these obstacles to produce some of the most powerful and iconic footage of the war.

Through interviews with historians and experts, we gain a deeper understanding of the impact of Malins' work, not only in terms of the role it played in shaping public opinion about the war, but also in terms of the wider impact of film on the world.

Overall, WWI's First Frontline Cameraman is a moving and powerful tribute to the bravery of the soldiers who fought in the First World War, and to the men like Malins who risked their lives to capture their stories on film. It is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in the history of the First World War, and in the power of film to capture the human experience.

WWI's First Frontline Cameraman is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes.