Indian Silent Films Major Retrospective Of Begins In Paris

Jyothi Venkatesh

A major retrospective of Indian silent films has begun at Fondation Jérôme Seydoux Pathe in Paris. A total of 21 Indian silent films are being shown in a special package during 19th March till 6th of April 2019. All the films being screened are from the collection of National Film Archive of India. Ambassador of India in France Vinay Mohan Kwatra termed the festival as a major step towards increasing cooperation between India and France in the cultural sphere while speaking at a special function in Paris on Thursday. He said film is the best indicator of culture and this festival will help in showcasing the richness and diversity of Indian culture. President of Fondation Jérôme Seydoux Pathe Ms Sophie Seydoux said it was an important occasion to host such a beautiful tribute to Indian Cinema. Speaking during the function, Director of National Film Archive of India Prakash Magdum highlighted the fact that such a major retrospective of Indian silent films is happening after 24 years. Showcasing of Indian cinematic heritage at a place where the journey of Cinema began is a special moment for NFAI, he said. Last such festival was held in 1994 in Pordenone in Italy. Films made by Father of Indian Cinema Dadasaheb Phalke, Baburao Painter, PV Rao, Kalipada Das, Shyam Sundar Agarwal, GP Pawar, Franz Osten, Kanjibhai Rathod during the Silent era of Indian Cinema are part of the festival. The recent acquisition by NFAI, a 1919 Silent film, Bilwamangal is also being screened during the festival. This film, directed by Rustomji Dotiwala, was acquired by NFAI from Cinémathèque  Francaise Paris. All screenings are being accompanied on Piano by students of piano improvisation class of Jean-Française Zygel (National Superior Conservatory of Music and Dance of Paris).

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