From the arrival of a new viceroy to street markets, this amateur film captures the diversity of life in colonial India.
Social & External
This documentary highlights the achievements of India in the political, economic, and international fields since she attained Independence. The framing of her Constitution, the integration of the States and the general elections, the rehabilitation of displaced persons, the river valley projects, and the setting up of a chain of National Laboratories are some of the achievements shown here.
A documentary on the life of the youth in post-Independence India.
Divided into three parts — The Awakening, The Struggle, and Freedom — this is a biographical film on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. Relying on Nehru's writings and speeches, the film traces the evolution of Nehru from his birth through his life. It also deals with the effect of history on Nehru and in turn his impact on the world.
A sex columnist gains popularity even while a ban on comprehensive sex education in schools is adopted by approximately a third of India’s states.
As part of the 2017 UK-India Year of Culture, the British Council and British Film Institute share a unique collection of films documenting the sights and culture of a bygone India. Filmed between 1899-1947, and preserved in the BFI National Archive since then, these rare films capture many glimpses of life in India, from dances and markets, to hunts and pageantry.
Amateur shots of pilgrims and temples at Haridwar, followed by rural scenes and the Gorrie family at home.
Made by an English family living in north India during the heyday of the Raj, this amateur film reveals the grandeur in which middle-class English colonials lived.
Amateur footage of the devastation caused by one of South Asia's worst earthquakes.
A trip to the spectacular city of Bundi and a Kathakali dance performance, filmed in vivid colour.
"Fascinating India" spreads an impressive panorama of India’s historical and contemporary world. The film presents the most important cities, royal residences and temple precincts. It follows the trail of different religious denominations, which have influenced India up to the present day. Simon Busch and Alexander Sass travelled for months through the north of the Indian subcontinent to discover what is hidden under India’s exotic and enigmatic surface, and to show what is rarely revealed to foreigners. The film deals with daily life in India. In Varanasi, people burn their dead to ashes. At the Kumbh Mela, the biggest religious gathering of the world, 35 million pilgrims bathe in holy River Ganges. This is the first time India is presented in such an alluring and engaging fashion on screen.
Rare amateur footage of East India.
In "Reflections on Dutch Capitalism: Zero Sugar Version," Lakaaysha van Ewijk delves into how capitalism molds identity and desire, using an Italian expat's journey in the Netherlands as a lens. The film critiques the deep entanglement of consumer habits with our sense of self, showcasing the absurdities of a system where products shape identities. Through a narrative rich in symbolism, it probes the paradoxes of consumer culture versus the quest for authenticity, compelling viewers to question the impact of capitalist values on human nature and societal bonds.
The future Edward VIII enjoys a stately procession and visits the Taj Mahal before meeting senior Indian royalty.
The future Edward VIII visits his Empire, with Indian royalty, elephants, palaces and temples.
The future Edward VIII enjoys receptions, playing polo and hunting tigers on his royal tour.
The future Edward VIII enjoys stunning mountain scenery on a visit to the Khyber Pass during his royal tour
Millions of Muslims flee to Lahore in the newly created state of Pakistan, prompted by the partition of British India.
What’s the hidden message inside this intriguing film, shot at a Salvation Army establishment in western India?
The future Edward VIII visits Malakand, Kapurthala and opens the Royal Military College at Dehra Dun
Romantic, atmospheric travelogue capturing some of northern India’s most iconic places – not least the Taj Mahal.
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