Gandalf to visit India with 'Shakespeare Lives on Film'

Shakespeare’s legacy across theatre and film has been unparalleled. It has transcended borders and has been adapted, represented and celebrated globally. 2016 is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. To mark the occasion, the world will pay tribute to the greatest playwright of all time.

‘Shakespeare Lives’ a global programme launched by the British Council and GREAT Britain Campaign will celebrate Shakespeare’s works and his influence on culture, education and society. As a part of this programme, the BFI (British Film Institute) has curated a special international touring programme of British Shakespeare adaptations, spearheaded by well-known actor, Sir Ian McKellen.

Celebrating the iconic playwright’s legacy in film, the ‘Shakespeare Lives on Film’ programme explores on an epic scale how filmmakers have adapted, been inspired by and interpreted Shakespeare’s work for the big screen. The selection includes 18 classic British Films that will travel to 110 countries across the world with the British Council. Over a period of a year, 11 of these titles will be screened across the nine British Council Centres in India.

Mumbai is the first stop on Sir Ian McKellen’s global tour as the BFI’s ambassador for ‘Shakespeare Lives on Film’. As part of the international tour, McKellen will be presenting ‘Richard III’ (1995, dir. Richard Loncraine), the film he co-adapted for the big screen and starred in,which is currently enjoying great critical acclaim in the UK due to its re-release on DVD and at BFI Southbank as part of its season ‘BFI Presents: Shakespeare on Film’.

MAMI Film Club is partneringwith the British Council, the BFI, GREAT, NCPA and Fountainhead MKTG to bring Sir Ian McKellen and the ‘Shakespeare Lives on Film’ programme to India.

McKellen’s first stop will be a public conversation with a undisclosed Indian superstar, scheduled on May 23 and will mark the debut outing of MAMI Film Club, which will soon roll out an exciting year-round programme of activities for the denizens of Mumbai. In its 17-year history, Mumbai Academy of Moving Image will, for the first time, be opening its doors for a year-long engagement with its patrons. May 24 will see the launch of the ‘Shakespeare Lives On Film’ screenings with an exclusive screening of McKellen’s ‘Richard III’, introduced by its star.

Kiran Rao, Chairperson, MAMI, said, “I am a great admirer of Sir Ian’s work, and it is an honour for the Jio MAMI Film Club to be able to partner in this master class. Shakespeare has seen rich and varied interpretations in cinema over the years. This is a chance for film lovers to hear one of the most iconic actors of Shakespeare speak in our city. We could not have asked for a better launch for our Film Club!”

In addition, on May 25 McKellen will be the guest of honour at the launch of the 7th Kashish Mumbai International Queer Festival  at Liberty Cinema. The following day he will host a schools education event at BD Somani International School and be the guest of honour at the Queen’s Birthday Party, organised by the British High Commission.

Sharon Memis, Director West India British Council said “It is wonderful to work with the BFI, MAMI, to celebrate the ever contemporary William Shakespeare with one of our finest actors, internationally renowned and award winning theatre and film actor, Ian McKellen. Shakespeare’s stories are universal; they transcend cultures, society and time. The many translations and adaptations of his work across the world are a tribute to Shakespeare’s enduring relevance and appeal. We are thrilled that Ian McKellen’s first visit to Mumbai will be to launch Shakespeare Lives On Film!”

Ian McKellen has been awarded over 60 international acting awards for his half century on stage and screen. He has appeared in more than half of Shakespeare’s plays all over the world. On film, he has starred in ‘Gods and Monsters’, as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Hobbit’ films, as Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ movies, and most recently as Sherlock in ‘Mr Holmes’.

Ian McKellen said, “I have been aware of Indias’s passion for Shakespeare ever since I saw ‘Shakespeare Wallah’ (1965) and more recently the outstanding Bollywood versions of the plays. This is my first visit to Mumbai when I look forward to hearing local reaction to the Shakespeare on Film season and to meeting with colleagues in the Indian film industry.”