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Their inaugural public screening took place at the Grand Café in Paris, attended by a small audience of about 30 people. This pivotal moment showcased "The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station," a short black-and-white film lasting approximately one minute. During its display, viewers panicked, believing the train would leap off the screen, a response that marked what many refer to as the birth of cinema.
Notably, while history often credits Thomas Edison for substantial contributions to film, it is essential to recognize the crucial role played by the Lumière brothers. In Brazil, the first films appeared shortly after, in 1896, primarily accessible only to the elite due to high ticket prices, further illustrating the nascent industry's class dynamics.