Hindustan Photo Film: India's First Colour Film Factory

When we think of Bollywood cinema, we often imagine bombastic displays of brilliant colour. Indian filmmakers have worked in colour since as early as the 1930s, with vibrant hues becoming central to the aesthetics and style of popular Hindi film following Independence in 1947. However, it was not until the 1970s that India began selling domestically manufactured colour film stock, made at the Hindustan Photo Film plant in Ooty. This paper traces the geopolitical negotiations necessary for Bombay filmmakers to secure colour film from before this moment, as well as the evolution of India's first film factory in Ooty, built during the Cold War in collaboration with East German technical expertise.

Pitt Rivers Museum Research Seminar in Visual, Material and Museum Anthropology, Michaelmas Term 2026

Fridays, 12pm-1.30pm (Weeks 1-8)

In person at the Pitt Rivers Museum Lecture Theatre (entry via Robinson Close) except for Week 5, which will be online only.

Convened by Professor Elizabeth Hallam and Dr Charlotte Linton.