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India - Seraj Tour: Gorrie Personal Film No. 24
Join the Gorrie family and students from the Forest Research Institute on an expedition into India's Seraj hills
Overview
Join the Gorrie family and students from the Forest Research Institute on an expedition into the Seraj hills in Himachal Pradesh in India's north. Their journey through the Kullu Valley is an important record of this relatively remote area and its ornate wooden houses, many of which no longer exist. Locations include the Palampur bazaar, Manglaur bridge, Banjar, Latura forest and the 3134m Jalori Pass. The family also picnic with Sundar Singh. Back in Dehra Dun (or Dehradun), the film features locations in Paltan Bazaar that are still recognisable today.
Dr R. MacLagan Gorrie was an extraordinarily prolific amateur filmmaker, recording his family life, work and travels. Between 1927 and 1960 he made 57 films, which are now held by the BFI National Archive. Gorrie was known for his research into soil conservation in India. He worked at Dehra Dun's internationally renowned Forest Research Institute with its imposing imperial architecture that can be glimpsed in several of the films.
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