Vaikhari, which in Sanskrit means intelligent and articulate utterances, primarily focusses on "padhant" which is the art of recitation of mnemonic syllables used in Hindusthani Classical Music and Dance. The film incorporates different artistic streams in allusion to padhant, thereby aiming at a profound aesthetic experience of rhythmic utterances in its multiple manifestations. Kalidasa's immortal Meghdootam serves a template for narrative development while creating a realm of different temporal designs fabricated by various rhythmic elements (percussion, dance) where padhant lies at the nucleus of contemplation and subsequent artistic expansion.
Kathak: The Dance of Storytellers (2024)
Toronto-based, award-winning dancer, teacher, and choreographer Joanna De Souza takes us through her journey as a non-South Asian dancer in the classical dance form of Kathak.
Trip to Manipur (1935)
Amateur film of a road trip through northeastern India, showing traditional dances and a gigantic flower float.
The World of Vija Vētra (2008)
This documentary tells the fascinating story of Vija Vetra, a world-renowned Latvian dancer, choreographer and teacher. At the age of 84, Vetra remains a vital and creative force, and her tale offers inspiration for both artists and lovers of the arts. In a career spanning seven decades, she has mastered diverse styles ranging from ballet to traditional Indian dance, and her talent has won her acclaim as a 'spirit in human form' and 'the bridge between East and West.' Her life is a celebration of the power and beauty of the art of dance, but is also a powerful story of struggle, loneliness and sacrifice. Her creative , positive spirit stands alone against a materialistic world that is constantly changing. Her wise soul, her point of view and criticism towards the modern world push us to think about secret meanings, symbols and the simplicity of life.
Dancers at Trivandrum Gopinath (1946)
Kathakali performance featuring the great Indian dancer Guru Gopinath.
Aka and Daffla Dances (1934)
A stunning display by Nyishi tribesmen from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, north-eastern India.
Delhi to the North West Frontier (1935)
Amateur film featuring government buildings in Delhi, a shooting party in Malakand and winter in Abbottabad.
Rajputana, Jhalawar, Bundi & Katakali Dancers (1940)
A trip to the spectacular city of Bundi and a Kathakali dance performance, filmed in vivid colour.
Ci-Mi (2008)
The film tells the story of two brothers, Ji and Mi, who were separated for many years and found each other after 20 years.
Land Without Bread (1933)
An exploration —manipulated and staged— of life in Las Hurdes, in the province of Cáceres, in Extremadura, Spain, as it was in 1932. Insalubrity, misery and lack of opportunities provoke the emigration of young people and the solitude of those who remain in the desolation of one of the poorest and least developed Spanish regions at that time. (Silent short, voiced in 1937 and 1996.)
Megacities (1998)
Megacities is a documentary about the slums of five different metropolitan cities.
Railway Station (1980)
Kieslowski’s later film Dworzec (Station, 1980) portrays the atmosphere at Central Station in Warsaw after the rush hour.
Gimme Shelter (1970)
A detailed chronicle of the famous 1969 tour of the United States by the British rock band The Rolling Stones, which culminated with the disastrous and tragic concert held on December 6 at the Altamont Speedway Free Festival, an event of historical significance, as it marked the end of an era: the generation of peace and love suddenly became the generation of disillusionment.
Primary (1960)
Primary is a documentary film about the primary elections between John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey in 1960. Primary is the first documentary to use light equipment in order to follow their subjects in a more intimate filmmaking style. This unconventional way of filming created a new look for documentary films where the camera’s lens was right in the middle of what ever drama was occurring. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation in 1998.
Dont Look Back (1967)
In this wildly entertaining vision of one of the twentieth century’s greatest artists, Bob Dylan is surrounded by teen fans, gets into heated philosophical jousts with journalists, and kicks back with fellow musicians Joan Baez, Donovan, and Alan Price.
When Moyles Met the Radio 1 Breakfast DJs (2010)
DJ Chris Moyles looks at how the Radio 1 Breakfast Show has reflected life in Britain over the past 40 years, as he meets his predecessors in the early morning slot.
I Have Loved Living Here (2020)
In a new town, somewhere in the suburbs of Paris, intimate stories meet the writings of the famous writer Annie Ernaux : is living in harmony a utopia, or could it be actual and overcome the paradoxes of society to welcome foreigners.
Sell & Spin: A History of Advertising (1999)
From ancient phrases etched in stone, to today's cutting edge multimedia commercials, selling has always meant grabbing attention. This is a story of explanation, exaggeration and even exploitation, a story that extends from Roman highways to Madison Avenue. This TV documentary provides an in depth analysis of how advertising came to be and how it’s overall effectiveness was gained through much trial and error.