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Interview (PG*) + Introduction 

Rewriting the Rules

,Cinema 1
A man sits and another stands on a train, whilst commuting.

An opening edit that brings together two shots so that a cannon appears to be firing on a statue of the former Viceroy of India sets the tone for this formally and politically radical film.  

The story is a simple but engaging one. A family friend promises our ambitious, personable young protagonist a job with a prestigious foreign firm. All he needs to do is turn up to the interview in a Western-style suit. When the big day arrives, a strike at the dry cleaners throws everything into chaos.  

Director Mrinal Sen was co-author, in 1968, of a manifesto calling for a break with the existing Indian commercial and art cinema. He and a generation of young filmmakers responded with a slew of socially relevant, politically committed and formally experimental films drawing on local and international influences. Interview is exemplary of this new Parallel Cinema. 

Introduced by season curator Dr Omar Ahmed. 

Tagged with: Cinema Rewriting the Rules: Pioneering Indian Cinema after 1970 Art & design

India 1971 Dir Mrinal Sen 101 min Bengali with English subtitles Digital presentation 

With thanks to NFDC - National Film Archive of India.

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Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.