The BFI British National Film Archive Restoration

Based on the romance between 17th-century Mughal ruler Shah Jahan and his queen, this epic silent film is the ravishing, romantic tale behind the creation of one of the world’s most iconic structures: the Taj Mahal.

Shot entirely on location in India, it features lavish costumes and gorgeous settings – all the more impressive in this restoration by the BFI National Archive which features a specially commissioned score by the Grammy Award-winning Anoushka Shankar.

Produced by and starring Indian film legend Himansu Rai, the film is performed by an all-Indian cast, featuring Rai as humble potter Shiraz, who follows his childhood sweetheart Selima (Enakshi Rama Rau) when she’s sold by slave traders to the future emperor (Charu Roy).

UK-Germany-India 1928
Directed by Franz Osten
With Himansu Rai, Enakshi Rama Rau, Charu Roy
105min

For festival or booking inquiries, please contact elizabeth@junofilms.com. For educational inquiries, please visit our educational site.

PLAYDATES:

Gene Siskel Film Center
Chicago, IL
November 30, December 2 and December 6, 2018

The Guild Cinema
Albuquerque, NM
December 26-30, 2018

Metrograph
New York, NY
January 18-24, 2019

Laemmle Theaters
Fine Arts, Playhouse, Claremont and Town Center
Los Angeles, CA
January 23, 2019

Center for Contemporary Arts
Santa Fe, NM
January 25 - tbd

Denver Silent Film Festival
Denver, CO
April 26-28, 2019