Which year was it that the cinema screen invented?

There is no single event that can be pointed to as the invention of the cinema screen, as it evolved gradually over time through a series of developments and improvements in the field of motion picture projection. The concept of a specific projection surface for moving images originated in the late 19th century, with the earliest screenings utilizing various makeshift screens, including sheets, walls, and even bed sheets.

One significant milestone in the development of the cinema screen was the invention of the reflecting cinematograph screen by Robert William Paul in 1896. This screen utilized a combination of a concave mirror and a translucent screen, which enhanced the brightness and sharpness of projected images. Another notable contribution came in 1913 when C. Francis Jenkins and Thomas Armat developed a lenticular screen, which featured a structured surface with tiny ridges, allowing for wider viewing angles and improved image quality.

The use of silver-coated screens for enhancing reflectivity became popular in the 1920s, and the concept of curved screens for providing a more immersive viewing experience was introduced in the late 1950s. Further innovations in screen materials and technologies, such as high-gain screens, micro-perforated screens, and rear-projection systems, continued to shape the development of cinema screens over the decades.

Therefore, it can't be narrowed down to a specific year as the invention of the cinema screen was a result of a series of incremental improvements and advancements in the field of motion picture projection throughout the late 19th century and beyond.