What movement in filmmaking emerged in the late 1940s to early 1960s that focused on realistic and gritty storytelling?

Italian Neorealism emerged as a significant movement in filmmaking from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, characterized by its emphasis on realistic storytelling that reflected the social conditions and struggles of ordinary people, particularly in post-World War II Italy. Filmmakers involved in this movement sought to depict everyday life and the challenges faced by the working class, often utilizing non-professional actors and shooting on location to enhance the authenticity of their narratives.

The movement's focus on topics like poverty, war, and moral dilemmas offered a departure from the escapist narratives prevalent in mainstream cinema of the time. Directors such as Roberto Rossellini, Luchino Visconti, and Federico Fellini were pioneering figures in this movement, creating films that resonated with the audience's lived experiences and societal issues.

While other movements such as the French New Wave and Postmodernism have their unique traits, they arose in different contexts and did not share the same concentrated focus on the realism and social commentary found in Italian Neorealism. Expressionism, on the other hand, is known for its stylized visuals and psychological themes rather than the grounded realism associated with Italian Neorealism.