British Council brings movie marathon of 20 British films for 20 weeks in India

Starting September until January 2017, this 20-week long movie marathon will traverse across New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Bangalore showcasing some of the best of British cinema.

With a planned schedule of one film per week, 20 films will be screened in each of British Council’s nine centres and libraries.

The programme will display movies based on varied themes ranging from children’s favourites to gripping drama features.

There will also be a series of #secretscreening films each month, where audiences will find out the film on the day, with hints being dropped on British Council India’s Twitter @inBritish in the run-up to the event.

Coinciding with Roald Dahl Day on Sept 13, this month will commemorate the exceptional contributions of Roald Dahl in children’s lives by screening two of his favourite works including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, for which he wrote the screenplay, and another story about a small boy and a huge piece of fruit. Similarly, there will be a critically acclaimed showcase film coinciding with the International Day of the Girl Child in October, the month dedicated to women in film.

Planned for November, the documentary David Bowie: Five Years covers the five most important years of Dawid Bowie’s career using his songs and archived footage which were considered most creative and influential, as well as several other award winning films on influential UK artists.

Ringing bells at the Christmas time is a showcase of children’s cinema in December and January will witness The films of Ken Loach including a showcase of the British director’s award winning dramas.

Alan Gemmell OBE, Director British Council India said, “Films are an eternal source of entertainment that go beyond demographic boundaries and bring people together. The programme #20Films20Weeks is our unique initiative to celebrate this shared love of films and familiarize the UK culture in India by showcasing the best works of British Cinema across the country.”