Black Narcissus

Powell and Pressburger conjure up a Himalayan convent at Pinewood Studios, thanks to beautiful matte paintings and Jack Cardiff’s groundbreaking cinematography.

A group of British nuns are attempting to set up a school in the raja’s derelict palace, but their mission is beset with challenges from outside and within. A specialist in postcolonial literature, Dr Sharada Sugirtharajah will explore how the film both embodies and illuminates anxieties about the loss of empire. A few months after Black Narcissus was released in the UK, India declared independence.

Please note: Black Narcissus includes some stereotypical depictions of Indian culture, and in two cases white English actors playing Indian characters. Although it typifies British attitudes towards ‘the colonies’ at the time, it is also thoughtful about imperial power relations. Dr Sharada Sugirtharajah will talk about this and more in her introduction to the film.

Check out our full Powell & Pressburger line-up here.