This film is part of Rentals
Shiraz: A Romance of India
This epic silent film, telling the ravishing, romantic story behind the Taj Mahal, has been newly restored with a sumptuous new score from Anoushka Shankar.
Director: Franz Osten
Overview
Shiraz is based on the true story of the 17th-century Mughal ruler Shah Jahan, his queen and the building of the world’s most beautiful monument to love, the Taj Mahal. Shot entirely in India, it features lavish costumes and gorgeous settings, including the extraordinary fort at Agra. Himansu Rai (also the film’s producer) stars as the humble potter Shiraz, who follows his childhood sweetheart Selima (Enakshi Rama Rau) when she is sold by slave traders to the future emperor.
Newly restored by the BFI National Archive, and looking better than it ever has, the film also features a new score from world-renowned sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar.
Related
Corsage Corsage
Biopic 2022 114 mins Director: Marie Kreutzer
Sisi the Empress (Vicky Krieps) gets an irreverent make-over in Austrian director Marie Kreutzer’s exhilarating BAFTA-nominated period drama, winner of Best Film at BFI London Film Festival 2022.
Notre-Dame on Fire Notre-Dame on Fire
Historical drama 2022 110 mins Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Jean-Jacques Annaud (The Name of the Rose) presents an immersive and gripping re-enactment of the events of 15th April 2019, when a fire engulfed Notre-Dame.
Malcolm X Malcolm X
Biopic 1992 202 mins Director: Spike Lee
Denzel Washington takes the lead in one of the great screen biopics, directed by Spike Lee.
Lizzie Lizzie
Crime 2018 105 mins Director: Craig Macneill
Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart captivate in this bodice-ripping retelling of the strange and fascinating case of Lizzie Borden.
Scandal Scandal
Historical drama 1989 114 mins Director: Michael Caton-Jones
A fictionalised account of the 1963 ‘Profumo Affair’ that rocked the government of British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. Starring John Hurt, Joanne Whalley, Bridget Fonda, Ian McKellen and Leslie Phillips.
Moulin Rouge Moulin Rouge
Biopic 1953 120 mins Director: John Huston
Toulouse Lautrec (José Ferrer) seeks solace in the drink, dance and distractions of the infamous Paris nightclub, in John Huston's exquisitely evoked biopic.
East Is East East Is East
Comedy 1999 97 mins Director: Damien O'Donnell
Damien O'Donnell's charming comedy-drama about Zaheed Khan (Om Puri), the patriarch of a Pakistani-British family whose children begin to reject their heritage and embrace UK life.
Slumdog Millionaire Slumdog Millionaire
Drama 2009 120 mins Director: Danny Boyle
Danny Boyle’s crowdpleaser, based around the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, won the Oscar for best picture.
Bride & Prejudice Bride & Prejudice
Musical 2004 107 mins Director: Gurinder Chadha
Gurinder Chadha’s Bollywood retelling of Austen’s classic romance is an all-round joy, adding colour and song to Austen’s evergreen wit.
Bend it Like Beckham Bend it Like Beckham
Sport 2002 112 mins Director: Gurinder Chadha
Gurinder Chadha’s smash hit about an Asian girl with an undying love for football.
Brothers in Trouble Brothers in Trouble
Drama 1996 103 mins Director: Udayan Prasad
Udayan Prasad's perceptive 1995 drama follows Amir (Pavan Malhotra), a Pakistani immigrant living in England and adjusting to his new life - including meeting an Irish girl who moves into his boarding house.
The Warrior The Warrior
Crime 2002 87 mins Director: Asif Kapadia
Irfan Khan stars in this stately swordplay epic from director Asif Kapadia (Amy, Senna) which earned critical comparisons with Kurosawa.
Occupied City Occupied City
Documentary 2023 251 mins Director: Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen’s cinematic commemoration of the Holocaust offers a multidimensional experience full of gravity and sublimity.
The End We Start From The End We Start From
Drama 2023 102 mins Director: Mahalia Belo
A stunning post-apocalyptic British drama navigating the anxieties of parenthood and the future of the world.
Mami Wata Mami Wata
Drama 2022 107 mins Director: C.J. 'Fiery' Obasi
Filmed in vivid black-and-white, C.J. Obasi’s bold Sundance winning film navigates the conflict between tradition and modernity in a Nigerian coastal village, featuring an incredible oceanic soundscape and hypnotic score.
Sweet Sue Sweet Sue
Comedy 2022 100 mins Director: Leo Leigh
Bleakly funny comedy-drama starring Maggie O’Neill, a middle-aged woman who begins dating a mysterious biker, whose flamboyant son is a social media influencer.
Your Fat Friend Your Fat Friend
Biopic 2024 96 mins Director: Jeanie Finlay
A powerful and moving documentary exploring body image, diet culture and anti-fat bias through the life and work of Aubrey Gordon.
Anselm Anselm
Biopic 2023 94 mins Director: Wim Wenders
Wim Wenders' stately and beautifully scored study of Anselm Kiefer.