Josef Wirsching

Josef Wirsching’s Photographic Archive comprises hundreds of photographs shot exclusively on location by Cinematographer Wirshing between 1925 and the 1960s. The archive brings alive Indian cinema history starting with Wirsching’s first visit to India to shoot Light of Asia for Emelka Film Studio. The film was produced and directed by Himanshu Rai.

Nearly a decade later, along with director Franz Osten and a team of technical experts, the small team was invited by Himanshu Rai and his wife Devika Rani to settle in Bombay and establish the historic Bombay Talkies studio.

From 1934 onwards the team, though German, scripted and produced one successful Hindi film after another, all thematically reflective of the social and political transformation that India was experiencing on the eve of her Independence in 1947. These films launched the careers of many stars of Indian cinema contributing to their future success. Additionally, the studio served as a training institute for young professionals interested to learn the movie business in technical fields such as cinematography, sound, lighting and costume design.

In addition to shooting films, Josef Wirsching found time to point his still camera and document his team’s process. The archive from the Wirsching Collection spans his career at Emelka Film (1923-1934), Bombay Talkies (1934-54), AMA Ltd. (1954-1958) and Kamal Pictures (1958-1967), and provides a glimpse into the early years and the incredible international collaborations that set the foundation for an industry that is recognized globally today. Photographs show a professional industry in action, including behind-the-scenes shots of cast and crew on location and in the studio, production stills, and publicity images, and provide insight into the aesthetic decisions, creative communities, and cross-cultural exchanges that were vital to filmmaking when the industry was at a nascent stage. Available as digital prints. A must for Film Collections and Museums.

Submitted by Art Heritage