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Somewhere in India
We know that these films were shot in India, but where? Can you help us to identify the locations?
Calling all India experts! Here are the films for which we have no locations. Some will be impossible to identify. For others, you might have the knowledge to help us. If you recognise any of the locations in these films – or, indeed, have information about any of the other films in the collection - we'd love to hear from you. Please tweet @BFI using #IndiaOnFilm.
MotherMother
Documentary194716 mins
A social worker teaches her Indian village neighbours about clean, modern childbirth
ChildChild
Documentary194718 minsSilent
Advice for village families on raising children to become strong, healthy citizens
A Native Street in IndiaA Native Street in India
Travelogue19062 minsSilent
Early film of a crowded street scene in an unidentified Indian city. Can you identify it?
Sports dans l'armée des IndesSports dans l'armée des Indes
Interest film19105 minsSilent
A demonstration of sport and fitness by members of the Indian Army
IndiaIndia
Amateur film192914 minsSilent
Amateur film of the passage to India - complete with guest appearance by Gandhi
India - Personal Film 1 - C. 1940India - Personal Film 1 - C. 1940
Amateur film19402 minsSilent
Family life in colonial India - baby Georgina with her British mother and Chinese amah, possibly in Calcutta
India: Hunting with ElephantsIndia: Hunting with Elephants
Non-Fiction193010 mins
On the trail of big game in this extraordinary home movie shot by famous hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett
Bridge ConstructionBridge Construction
19291 minsSilent
Pith helmets at play – but where, when and why?
Cowley Fathers' Mission in IndiaCowley Fathers' Mission in India
Documentary193716 minsSilent
Life in Maharashtra, as seen through missionary eyes.
Gardens of the OrientGardens of the Orient
Interest film193610 mins
The gardens here are tea gardens, and the 'Orient' is India and Sri Lanka.
Elephants: Working and TrainingElephants: Working and Training
Amateur film193513 minsSilent
Amateur film of elephants at work and being trained during the British Raj.
An Indian Washing the BabyAn Indian Washing the Baby
Non-Fiction19062 minsSilent
A film on a charming, 'unofficial' subject - authentic ethnographic record or exotica for western eyes?
Indian Elephants and their HandlersIndian Elephants and their Handlers
Interest film19092 minsSilent
Indian elephants bathing and working
Musical Instruments of IndiaMusical Instruments of India
Documentary194412 mins
The tabla, sanai, baya and the micro-tone tuning of the sitar are presented and performed.
A Road in IndiaA Road in India
Travelogue19389 mins
A portrait of 'the enigmatic and disturbing East' - elevated by Jack Cardiff's Technicolor cinematography
AnimalsAnimals
Documentary195011 minsSilent
Amateur film footage showing wildlife in Iran, Pakistan and India taken in 1950 by Sir Clarmont Skrine.
Flying to India by Imperial AirwaysFlying to India by Imperial Airways
Amateur film193411 minsSilent
British Diplomat Clarmont Skrine records footage of an early long-haul flight from Europe to India, documenting their stop-offs in British territories en-route to their destination.
Honey Harvest in IndiaHoney Harvest in India
Non-Fiction19369 minsSilent
Death-defying antics on behalf of the sweet-toothed, in a home movie shot by hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett
Dangerous JourneyDangerous Journey
Documentary194473 minsSilent
Expeditions to parts of North and South America, India and Burma (Myanmar).