What We Sell (And Why It Matters)

At CounterCulture, we don’t do reprints or generic reproductions. We deal in the real thing — original film posters that were actually issued to cinemas for the film’s first theatrical run. These are the pieces that hung in foyers, lit up marquees, and helped define the visual language of cinema history.

Collecting original film posters isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about owning a tangible slice of cultural history. These posters weren’t made for fans or collectors; they were printed to promote films during their original theatrical release, often in limited runs and specific formats like the UK Quad or US One-Sheet. That makes each surviving piece a rare artifact, imbued with the spirit of its era — whether it’s the rebellious energy of 1970s British cinema or the bold graphic experimentation of Italian Locandinas.

Unlike reprints, original posters carry the marks of their journey: folds from being shipped to cinemas, pinholes from display boards, even handwritten notes from projectionists. These imperfections aren’t flaws — they’re part of the story. They reflect the poster’s authenticity and its role in the lived experience of film exhibition.

Paul, CCB