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
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.