Harishchandrachi Factory

This charming reconstruction of the origins of Indian cinema combines everything that is inherent in all the origins of cinema around the world. It is incredible that so many significant events could be squeezed into the two years of 1911 and 1913, and with such love. Not only do we have the transition from wandering magician to filmmaker, but there is also a photographer, a cinema amateur, then a professional, time-lapse photography of plants, a film school, the ethical problem of women as actresses, a trip to London, and the establishment of a cottage industry. All that was missing was the writing of the first manual on how to write a film libretto. ;)) As for theorizing why Harishchandrachi Factory did or didn't succeed at the Oscars, I would just like to remind you that the theme itself and the straightforward love for the origins of the film is enough of an asset and the chances were not downright odd. The natural pride with which every national cinema claims its founding fathers needs no translator and is quite universal and applicable. It is not without interest that most of the musical inserts were plot shortcuts, while no accompanying lyrics were needed. And if I were to compare the reception in the small hall by the Czechs and the natives, we all understood things the same and the laughter was also in identical places in the same abundant degree. (13.10.2010)