Notes for a Film in India (1968)
Appunti per un film sull’India is a short documentary film by Pier Paolo Pasolini where he visits India in the search of a king who could give up his body to feed a starving tiger. The film was shot around post-independent India when it was facing grave challenges of poverty, population and caste system. Pasolini narrates the challenges of India and its charms amidst all the problems the country faces. The 33 minute long documentary is composed of short interviews from random people about their opinions on matters such as family planning. The documentary also shows short interviews of journalists and one politician about the challenges of India to modernize without becoming westernized or losing the Indian identity.
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Appunti Per Un Film Sull'India is a fascinating look on India by Pasolini who had gone there to make a feature film. Although the film never got a chance to be made nevertheless Pasolini was able to shoot some interviews with Indian people from all walks of life to learn more about the country. He asks them about the effects of industrialization and whether they are in favor or against 'population control'. His film starts with a Sikh soldier who would play the leading role in his film about a Maharaja who would have to sacrifice himself in order to save a hungry tiger. Although the topic of this feature film remains somewhat childish as well as controversial, Pasolini has managed to interview a former king and his wife for this purpose. He also got good support in form of interviews by K.A.Abbas and Rajinder Singh Bedi. Pasolini has worked hard for his film is revealed as he travels a lot for filming authentic India. He has chosen exotic locations namely Rajasthan and Bombay to find locations which would do justice to his film. Lastly, Appunti Per Un Film Sull'India is a must watch with numerous interviews with politicians and religious men who share their ideas about India.