Aka and Daffla Dances

As part of the 2017 UK-India Year of Culture, the British Council and British Film Institute share a unique collection of films documenting the sights and culture of a bygone India. Filmed between 1899-1947, and preserved in the BFI National Archive since then, these rare films capture many glimpses of life in India, from dances and markets, to hunts and pageantry.

　　Originally created as an installation for the third Shenzhen Independent Animation Biennale this film is a gripping diary and travelogue of a trip the filmmaker made through India. She tries to grasp India’s love and thoughts, the sentiments and everyday conditions and the experience of disease and death.

The race is on - for the Viceroy's Cup.

The Real Story of Fake Democracy. Filmed over three years in five countries, FREEDOM FOR THE WOLF is an epic investigation into the new regime of illiberal democracy. From the young students of Hong Kong, to a rapper in post-Arab Spring Tunisia and the viral comedians of Bollywood, we discover how people from every corner of the globe are fighting the same struggle. They are fighting against elected leaders who trample on human rights, minorities, and their political opponents.

A sex columnist gains popularity even while a ban on comprehensive sex education in schools is adopted by approximately a third of India’s states.

The Maharajah of Kapurthala and guests travel on elephants and men catch fish on the River Bias.

A state welcome for a Handley Page aircraft arriving in Kolkata.

The Duke rides an elephant as he ventures on safari in Bengal.

Armoured elephants, sacred monkeys and a camel carriage from Rajasthan.

The timber trade calls on animal help.

Lady Pamela Lytton, wife of the Governor of Bengal, visits the grand marble Victoria Memorial in Calcutta.

The future Edward VIII enjoys a stately procession and visits the Taj Mahal before meeting senior Indian royalty.

The future Edward VIII visits his Empire, with Indian royalty, elephants, palaces and temples.

The future Edward VIII enjoys receptions, playing polo and hunting tigers on his royal tour.

The future Edward VIII enjoys stunning mountain scenery on a visit to the Khyber Pass during his royal tour

A doctor and party visit the villages of eastern Manipur in India's far north east.

Hear the Lama band, see the sacred dances: welcome to Sikkim, in the shadow of the Himalayas.

The Taj Mahal and shots of Jalandhar nestle between footage from Canada and Africa.

The Governor of Bengal and family - on and off duty.

Documentary on the construction of Chandigarh, the new capital of the Indian Punjab region, planned by Albert Mayer and Swiss architect Le Corbusier.