85. Around India With A Movie Camera; movie review

AROUND INDIA WITH A MOVIE CAMERA
CERT TBA
72 mins
BBFC advice: TBA

Could you imagine the only evidence of your country's early 20th century history being that documented by an occupier?
Around India With A Movie Camera is fascinating but also made me a tad ashamed to be British.
The documentary comprises of home movies, newsreels and other footage filmed across India from 1899 to 1947 and woven together by Sandhya Suri from material in the extensive BFI National Archive.
It is fascinating to see how much the country has changed in some ways and how little it has in others.
There is much pomp surrounding the Indian maharajas and princes who turn up to a court run by the British empire.
Meanwhile, local eccentricities are exemplified by a scene in which a fakir literally pierces his own face with a sword.
Gandhi and actor Sabu appear briefly as Suri offers the briefest of historical brushes over 48 years up until independence and partition.
Around India with a Movie Camera also features a jaunty new score from composer and sarod player Soumik Datta.
It is a fascinating glimpse into India's rich and varied past and a deeper insight into the British raj. I suspect it has been the springboard to many a debate.

Reasons to watch: A unique video record of India's past
Reasons to avoid: Is seen from a British perspective

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: Very briefly
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Director's quote - Sandhya Suri: "Essentially, this is a piece about film-making and colonialism and the many narratives within that. But it is also about the ghosts of the past, documenting that and maintaining a curiosity about these people."

The big question - What must it be like seeing your country's history through an occupier's eyes?

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