Documentary Movement and Film Finance Corporation

The Documentary Movement gained momentum in the 1950s, with the emergence of the Film Finance Corporation (FFC). The FFC was set up by the Indian government to promote the production of films that were socially relevant and artistically significant. The FFC provided financial assistance to filmmakers who wanted to make documentaries on social issues.

During this period, documentaries started to gain recognition as a legitimate form of filmmaking. The filmmakers began to experiment with various styles and techniques, such as the use of voiceovers, montages, and interviews. The documentaries also started to focus on a wider range of issues, such as environmental degradation, communalism, and women’s rights.

One of the most significant documentaries produced during this period was ‘Nehru – A Tryst with Destiny (1960), directed by Bimal Roy. The film was a tribute to India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and his vision for India. The documentary was well-received by audiences and was praised for its visual and narrative style.

Another important documentary from this period was ‘India ’67’ (1967), directed by S. Sukhdev. The film was a snapshot of India during its 20th year of independence. The documentary used a combination of newsreels and interviews to provide a glimpse of the social, political, and cultural changes that were taking place in the country.