Jan Olsson (film scholar)

Jan Olsson is a Swedish film scholar and professor emeritus at Stockholm University. He is known for his research on early cinema, film history, and particularly the nickelodeon era. His work often focuses on the reception and exhibition contexts of films in the early 20th century, exploring the social, cultural, and economic forces that shaped the cinematic experience for audiences.

Olsson's scholarship is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, utilizing archival sources and historical records to reconstruct the conditions under which films were produced, distributed, and consumed. He has published extensively on the subject of early cinema, contributing to a greater understanding of the transition from pre-cinematic forms of entertainment to the establishment of cinema as a major cultural phenomenon. His research often examines the role of exhibitors, audiences, and the wider media landscape in shaping the meaning and impact of early films. He also investigates the influence of international film markets on local cinematic practices.