This film is part of Free

Asia's New Voice
Two years after India gained its independence from British rule, was the dream starting to go sour?
Overview
Made by warzone cameraman Peter Hopkinson, this edition of March of Time reflects on the bloodshed that followed the partition of India and Pakistan - including Gandhi's assassination - as well as the class hierarchies which continued to operate. But there are also glimpses of a modernising, professionalised nation – a refreshing change from the chaotic images of India often seen on film.
The political situation in India had preoccupied the March of Time series throughout WWII, when special reports would worry over the possible impact of the independence bid on the Allies' efforts. Even several years on, the filmmakers still seemed anxious about India's susceptibility to political turmoil. This edition poses the question of whether a traditional society is ready for the bold new strategy called for by the new Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Related

Panorama of Calcutta, India, From the River Ganges. Panorama of Calcutta, India, From the River Ganges.
Non-Fiction 1899 2 mins Silent
One of the earliest films to be shot in India apparently shows the Calcutta ghats - or does it?

Villenour. (French India: Territory of Pondicherry) Villenour. (French India: Territory of Pondicherry)
Travelogue 1914 4 mins Silent
Gorgeously dreamlike colour images of (then) French India – present-day Puducherry

Indian Elephants in the Service of Man Indian Elephants in the Service of Man
Non-Fiction 1938 15 mins Silent
Indian elephants in action as working animals and in hunting, filmed by celebrated hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett

An Eastern Market An Eastern Market
Travelogue 1928 9 mins Silent
Documentary detailing a farmer’s visit to the market in Rawalpindi

Lahore - Refugees from India Lahore - Refugees from India
Amateur film 1947 4 mins Silent
Millions of Muslims flee to Lahore in the newly created state of Pakistan, prompted by the partition of British India

Delhi, Great Capital of India Delhi, Great Capital of India
Travelogue 1909 4 mins Silent
Rare stencil-coloured images of early 20th century Delhi during a Muslim festival

New Perspectives: Tangerine New Perspectives: Tangerine
Short documentary 2025 3 mins
Harry Wallace, a student at Northumbria university, explains why Sean Baker's LA-set comedy-drama, about a transgender sex worker on the hunt for her cheating -ex, is worth your time.

Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode
Inside Film 2025 44 mins
Daniel Craig talks to Mark Kermode about his acting career, from his early role in Love is the Devil through to the Luca Guadagnino directed Queer.

New Perspectives: Fish Tank New Perspectives: Fish Tank
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Adam Smith of Northumbria University explains why Andrea Arnold's coming-of-age story, about a girl who uses dance to escape, is his favourite film on BFI Player.

New Perspectives: Pusher New Perspectives: Pusher
Short documentary 2025 5 mins
Noah Ball of Northumbria University explains why you should seize the chance to watch Nicolas Winding Refn's debut.

Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.

On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.