At the beginning of the 20th century Albert Kahn gained wealth thanks to his banking in Paris which was one of the most prospering metropoles of the world in those days. Faszinated by the possibility of photography and film, he decided to discover several continents, it's inhabitants as well as their manners and customs.
Furthermore, he engaged several photographers and film-teams and collected round about 70.000 photos and 100 hours film during his life as a reporter of social life all around the world. As he was convinced of the the good skills of humans he was shocked when nationalism in Europe increased more and more and evoked World War I. Nevertheless, he appeared as a loyal French citizen during the time of war and supported the French army. Afterwards he continued his lifework. Thanks to his enormous financial resources and his skills as a reporter he left behind one of the most impressive photografic collections of the early 20th century.