Experience Hindi Cinema’s Glorious Legacy with Google’s AR and Street View!
Google Arts & Culture has made a significant move in documenting the prestigious past of Hindi cinema by introducing a comprehensive online exhibition, which is the biggest ever created for the internationally renowned film industry. This endeavor, available for free on the Google Arts & Culture platform, utilizes advanced technology such as Google’s Augmented Reality and Street View to offer an engaging experience through a collection of over 120 carefully selected narratives and a vast array of assets, including approximately 5,000 high-quality images, over 1,500 videos, posters, and songs.
Featuring Google Arts & Culture and 21 cultural organizations including the National Film Archive of India, The Museum of Art & Photography and Yash Raj Films, the exhibition was unveiled at the 2023 International Film Festival of India Film Bazaar. Honorable Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Youth and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur graces the occasion, emphasizing the importance of films as a communal celebration of art.
YouTube’s commitment to democratize storytelling
Sanjay Gupta, Country Director and Vice President, Google India, highlighted the power of storytelling in connecting diverse communities. He expressed pride in YouTube’s commitment to democratize storytelling and expand the reach of the Indian film industry, creators and artists globally.
From Augmented Reality to the Virtual Hall of Fame
Curated by Amit Sood, Head of Arts and Culture, Google, the exhibition pays tribute to India’s cinematic splendor through a virtual gallery space, a 3D virtual Hall of Fame and immersive experiences. Augmented reality allows users to project hand-painted posters onto walls with their smartphones, while Street View captures offer a 360-degree virtual tour of Mumbai’s iconic Art Deco theaters.
Prithul Kumar, festival director of IFFI and Film Bazaar, celebrated cinema as a universal language that transcends borders. He expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Google Arts & Culture, enhancing the film journey at the festival with valuable archival content.
The web show also features exclusive video chats with industry veterans Shabana Azmi and Karan Johar, hosted by Anupama Chopra as part of a series commissioned with Film Companion.
Attendees of IFFI 2023’s week-long Film Bazaar will have the opportunity to explore an interactive space dedicated to the highlights of the online exhibition, offering a tangible experience of the magic and nostalgia of Hindi cinema.
