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This event will be held at the Aga Khan Centre beginning at 17.00 BST
The Institute of Ismaili Studies’ South Asian Studies Unit and South Asian Cinema Foundation are hosting a film screening and book launch of Merchant Ivory Film Wallahs. The film, from documentary filmmaker Lalit Mohan Joshi, follows the origins of the Merchant Ivory from the unlikely team of international filmmakers: producer Ismail Merchant, director James Ivory, and scriptwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. The film highlights Merchant Ivory’s filmography, and its dedication to inclusion, showcasing Eastern and Western cultures together.
Hussain Jasani, Head of the South Asian Studies Unit, will present on “Two Ismail Merchants and the Ismaili Connection”, highlighting the confusion of identity of two Ismailis, followed by a talk by Dr Kusum Pant Joshi. She is the lead researcher and co-author of its companion book, A Biographical Dictionary of Merchant Ivory Film Wallahs. Dr Joshi will speak on SACF’s Merchant Ivory project and making of the movie.
An address will also be given by the UK Parliament’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra. Farrukh Dhondy, the famous play and scriptwriter, will engage in an onstage conversation with Dr Kusum Pant Joshi and Lalit Mohan Joshi on the film.
The event will end with a tea/coffee reception, providing an opportunity for the audience to interact with the speakers.
Merchant Ivory Film Wallahs Trailer
A Biographical Dictionary of Merchant Ivory Film Wallahs
Based on fresh research carried out in the UK and India, this is unique contribution to the subject of Merchant Ivory’s Indo-British films and documentaries. It presents a rich array of actors, filmmakers, screenwriters, editors, musicians, dancers, cinematographers, and other artists from various parts of the globe.
Please note filming and photography may take place during the event, and be used across our website, newsletters and social media accounts. These could include broad shots of the audience and lecture theatre, speakers during the talk, and of audience members participating in Q&A.
Views expressed in this lecture are those of the presenting scholars, not necessarily of IIS, the Ismaili community or its leadership. Promotion of this lecture is not an explicit endorsement of the ideas presented.
