Calcutta Pageant

Athos

June 2016 •German

The Athos peninsula in Greece is one of Europe's last secrets. Over 2000 monks live on Athos - cut off from the outside world. Access is denied to women, tourists are not welcome. Only workers and pilgrims can obtain a visa. The "Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain" attracts people who feel like they are missing something from their modern lives. With the help of three Athos monks, "Athos - A Taste of Heaven" tells the story of the island and its inhabitants in a unique filmed diary style. The film's guiding theme is the path we as people have to find and follow - each and everyone for themselves. "First we must heal our own souls, only then we can help others", is one of Father Galaktions core messages. He lives as a hermit on the holy mountain. Not all monks, however, live as secluded and demure as Father Galaktion. The film team is also received by Father Epiphanios - a gifted and poetic cook who certainly does not disdain the pleasures of life.

Ladakh

March 1943 •English

A stunning trek from the vale of Kashmir, via Sind Valley and Kargil and Lamayaru Monastry.

Wild Karnataka

March 2019 •English

An unprecedented UHD film on Karnataka's rich biodiversity narrated by David Attenborough. Portraying the state with highest number of tigers and elephants using the latest technology - a masterpiece showcasing the state, its flora, fauna.

Trip to Manipur

January 1935 •English

Amateur film of a road trip through northeastern India, showing traditional dances and a gigantic flower float.

Initiation

January 2016 •French

Three friends fly from Europe to Gabon to undergo a Bwiti initiation ceremony. After ritual bathing, they will eat the root bark of the iboga tree.

India Cabaret

January 1985 •Hindi

A documentary exploring the "respectable" and "immoral" stereotypes of women in Indian society told from the point of view of 2 strip-tease dancers in a cabaret house in Bombay.

Nehru

November 1984 •English

Divided into three parts — The Awakening, The Struggle, and Freedom — this is a biographical film on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. Relying on Nehru's writings and speeches, the film traces the evolution of Nehru from his birth through his life. It also deals with the effect of history on Nehru and in turn his impact on the world.

Sochi 2014: Olympic Closing Ceremony: Reflections of Russia

February 2014 •Russian

Beijing 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony

August 2008 •Chinese

The 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. It began at 8:00 p.m. China Standard Time (UTC+8) on August 8, 2008, as 8 is considered to be a lucky number in Chinese culture. Featuring more than 15,000 performers, the ceremony lasted over four hours and cost over $100 million USD to produce.

India: Kingdom of the Tiger

June 2002 •English

Journey across India, a breath taking land shaped by a myriad of cultures, customs and traditions. Come face to face with the Bengal Tiger and explore the work of this majestic creature with stunning clarity. Soar over blue-hazed Himalayan peaks and sweep down towards the thundering Indian Ocean as we celebrate the power and beauty of India's greatest ambassador - the mighty Bengal Tiger.

Wheel of Time

October 2003 •German

Wheel of Time is Werner Herzog's photographed look at the largest Buddhist ritual in Bodh Gaya, India.

Mysore Dasara

September 1933 •English

The Mysore Palace shines with 100,000 lights in a dazzling 400-year-old celebration.

Government House Garden Party

August 1923 •English

Scenes at a garden party given by Earl Lytton, Governor of Bengal, at Government House, Calcutta.

Native Life in Bundi

June 1935 •English

Amateur film showing daily life in Bundi, India.

Simla and Lahore

June 1933 •English

Evocative observational scenes of Simla and Lahore, including the gorgeous Shalimar Gardens and Anarkali Bazar.

Home Life

February 1928 •English

Made by an English family living in north India during the heyday of the Raj, this amateur film reveals the grandeur in which middle-class English colonials lived.

Gardens of the Orient

January 1936 •English

This portait of life on the tea plantations is decidedly rosy – clearly, there are no exploited workers here. However, the film provides an intriguing overview of tea production – from the planting of tea seeds to the final shipping of the precious leaves across the globe.

Dancers at Trivandrum Gopinath

May 1946 •English

Kathakali performance featuring the great Indian dancer Guru Gopinath.

Benares Chungking Ichang

May 1916 •English

Arresting early film images of both northern India and central and south western China.

Aka and Daffla Dances

June 1934 •English

A stunning display by Nyishi tribesmen from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, north-eastern India.