UAE: New exhibition showcasing Bollywood history opens at Louvre Abu Dhabi – News

As the world’s leading film producer, India currently produces more than 1,500 films per year in about 20 languages

A new exhibition titled ‘Bollywood Superstars: Short Stories from Indian Cinema’ has opened in Lulwe, Abu Dhabi.

The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac and France Museums from 24 January to 4 June 2023

The exhibition showcases the depth and richness of the art and civilization of the Indian subcontinent through its long tradition of image-making and the diversity of the Indian film-making industry.

Through more than 80 artworks, including photographs, textiles, graphic art, costumes and more than 30 film clips, the exhibition explores the rich history of Indian cinema from its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present.

Bollywood Superstars is co-curated by Julien Rousseau and Hélène Kessous, Ph.D. Social Anthropology and Ethnology, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Jacques Chirac, Curator and Director of the Asia Pavilion at the Musée du quai Branly, with the support of Dr. Abu Souraya Noujaim, Director of Science, Curatorial and Collection Management, Zabi Louvre.

Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “Bollywood superstars demonstrate our enduring commitment to showcasing the cultural wealth that defines so much life in the United Arab Emirates. Our staff and partners work tirelessly to showcase alongside film screenings the most ambitious works of art that are at the heart of Indian society and popular culture.

“It is our hope that by catching a glimpse of the subcontinent’s rich and varied filmmaking history, visitors can better understand our myriad common roots, shared values ​​and cultural ties.”

Exhibition curators Julien Rousseau and Hélène Kessous said: “This exhibition is a tribute to Bollywood that can be enjoyed by both Indian filmgoers and the wider public. We hope it portrays The richness of Asian heritage and the stories that lead to the birth of this film are told. The exhibition celebrates Bollywood superstars who are adored by Indian fans in a way rarely seen anywhere else in the world.”

As the world’s leading film producer, India currently produces more than 1,500 films a year in about 20 languages, which are exported across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Indian pioneers took advantage of emerging image technologies such as lithography and photography, starting the journey from the first movie to the grand musical.

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Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Bollywood’s international success and appreciate the diversity of Indian cinema. Comprehensive exhibitions cover the history of Indian cinema, from storytelling, dance and pre-film to religious and mythological influences and the rise of Bollywood superstars.

Inspired by exhibitions of Bollywood’s biggest stars, a rich cultural program will be offered to the public, including in-depth talks by the exhibition curator on 24 January 2023, and screenings of six iconic Bollywood films throughout March. The famous Secret Soirée event returns with a new, larger edition, ‘Secret Soirée: Bombay Night 2’, immersing guests in the world of Bollywood.

There will be a range of educational activities for visitors of all ages. These include a quick tour of the exhibition; Make and Play events, where families can explore a variety of storytelling techniques inspired by Bollywood movie posters; and a Young Visitors Guide, offering young people the opportunity to learn about Indian cinema.