SUNDAY 25 MARCH
Shiraz SUNDAY 25 MARCH | 16:30 £9.75 | £7.75 conc
A Romance of India is fittingly the subtitle of this beautiful 17th century epic, based on the story of Shah Jahan, his queen and the building of the world’s most beautiful monument to love: the Taj Mahal. Himansu Rai (the film’s producer) plays the humble Shiraz, who is brought up as brother to Selima, a girl of unknown but royal lineage, rescued from an ambush in childhood. Shiraz falls in love with Selima and when she is kidnapped by slavers and sold to the royal palace, Shiraz follows her, risking everything for his unrequited love. HippFest presents the immaculate new BFI digital restoration of this remarkable
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British-Indian-German co-production, shot entirely on location in India with an Indian cast. The story’s flamboyant romanticism is matched by ravishing settings and costumes, beautiful lighting and expressive performances. Dir. Franz Osten | India/UK | 1928 | BBFC cert U | b&w, tinted & toned | 1h 44m + short With: Himansu Rai, Enkashi Rama Rao Charu Roy, Seeta Devi Performing live: John Sweeney (piano) Screening material courtesy of BFI National Archive
HIPPODROME SILENT FILM FESTIVAL 2018 | BOX OFFICE: 01324 506850