Museum Film Night: A Throw of Dice plus films from the British Empire & Commonwealth Collection

A double bill of films in partnership with SWSilents.

A Throw of Dice is a spectacular silent masterpiece, made in 1929, based on an episode from the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Shot on location in Rajasthan, the film features over 10,000 extras and an impressive array of horses, elephants and tigers. Its star actors all had major careers in Indian cinema and remain legendary and much-loved figures. Rai stars in the role of nefarious Sohat, with Charu Roy as Ranjit, and Seeta Devi (the Anglo-Indian actress born Renee Smith) as Sunita.

This incredible film will be screened with a brand new live musical accompaniment by pianist Stephen Horne and Jeevan Singh on percussion (tabla & dhol).

‘A remarkable silent movie’ – Philip French
‘Entrancing as it is exotic… a fairytale for adults’ – Stella Papamichael
‘A rare and fascinating gem’ – Peter Bradshaw

The evening will also include screenings of home movies from India from the British Empire and Commonwealth Collection.

A bar will be available.