The magic of cinema is fading.... literally. In existence for over a century since the
first moving images mesmerized the world, the film format is now being replaced with
digital systems – both for shooting and projecting moving images. As in other countries,
the digital revolution has also swept India where cinemas are fast replacing 35mm
projection. Films now only release via digital systems with hardly any film prints, just
as film labs are shutting down in the face of harsh financial realities. 2014 is
considered the year when 35mm film prints and projection systems will most likely
disappear completely across the world, save for some antiquarian appeal for the medium.
I set out to document the last days of 35mm film in a country which is home to the biggest
film industry in the world (in terms of volume). My journey took me to projection rooms
and derelict cinemas while in Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk film distributors district, the
manual transportation of decaying film cans offered a historic closure to a fading legacy:
not the first time the ancient alleys of Old Delhi have witnessed the end of an era, from
the Mughal Empire to British colonialism.
Rusty film cans, scraps of film strips lying in a dusty heap, neglected and unused
equipment of all manner: these are images of a transition in time. The spool of life at 24
frames per second.
A self-taught photographer and film-maker, I have always strived to celebrate both the moving and the still image in my visual expressions.
My film-making activities have included four short films (and some commissioned films) made for Filmaka.com, a global initiative promoted by Hollywood-based producer Deepak Nayar (Bend It Like Beckham).
My photography has featured in promotional material for the Swiss Arts Council's India office.
www.nyaybhushan.com
Awards A self-taught photographer and film-maker, I have always strived to celebrate both the moving and the still image in my visual expressions. Born in Kenya and raised in India, I am also influenced and inspired by cross-cultural artistic endeavors.
My film-making activities have included four short films (and some commissioned films) made for Filmaka.com
My photography has featured in promotional material for the Swiss Arts Council's India office.
Awards -
2012 PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris: Bronze winner - book (series) - other category.
2011 International Photography Awards: seven Honorable Mentions for my three entries in four professional categories.
2010 PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris: First place, People's Choice Award, fine art - books - category.
www.nyaybhushan.com
