Why have I left it so long to get back to National Media Museum? Last night marked my first visit in about 5 years and after having such an enjoyable time I’m determined to get back there as soon as possible. Bloggers and tweeters from around the area were invited along for a few reasons; partly to experience the newly refurbished Media Cafe and in addition to take a look at two of the museum’s current exhibitions – Bollywood Icons: 100 Years of Indian Cinema and Tom Wood: Photographs 1973 – 2013.
Upon being welcomed we were encouraged (and I’ll be honest, it took very little nudging on their part given how good it looked) to sample some of the delights on offer at the Media Cafe. I recently wrote a piece on Sneaky Experience and spoke about their idea of turning a film screening into a fully interactive experience rather than a passive viewing; this idea sprang to mind again as we entered the cafe. The walls are covered in black and white photos from classic movies, silent shorts are projected onto the rear wall, and a screen made up of old film reels separates the kitchen from the dining space. Maybe this is no more than you’d expect from such a prestigious venue but the effect it has is tangible. Wherever you look, the love and power of media is clear. Waiting for your film to start or enjoying a post-screening drink and discussion in this environment does wonders for heightening the experience; you can sense the magic of the media industry around you and feel like you’re actively taking part in it.
When it comes to talking about food I’ll be happy to admit that I’m no @_lisafarrell_ but what’s on offer managed to entice even my palate (jaded as it is by years of veggie burgers and tobacco). I think I lost count of exactly how many types of salad were on offer but each one offered something different – anyone who’s had to sit though a joyless ‘green salad’ will appreciate this, I think – and in addition there was also the chance to indulge in flatbread pizzas and pasta along with some incredible chocolate brownies for dessert (I stand by my decision to be the first one to grab one of these – I took the hit for everyone else and if anything it was a great example of altruism). Everything is freshly prepared on site using locally sourced ingredients and it makes a wonderful alternative to the traditional nachos, hotdogs and popcorn available elsewhere.
Suitably fed, we were taken on a tour of Bollywood Icons: 100 Years of Indian Cinema by the exhibition’s curator Irna Qureshi. Whether you’re a fully subscribed fan of Bollywood Cinema or completely uninitiated, this is a real treat. The exhibition consists mainly of a selection of original posters that chart the history of Bollywood films and the key players of the industry. What’s really striking about this exhibition, apart from the amazing artwork on display, are the cultural similarities and differences between Bollywood and Western cinema. We’re introduced to great film-making dynasties like the Kapoor family, whose influence stretches from Prithviraj Kapoor starring in India’s first ‘talkie’ to his great-granddaughters and sons who are now major stars in their own right.
The exhibition also takes a look at the position of women in Bollywood cinema and how, in what began as a primarily male-dominated industry, their roles eventually began to equal and in many instances outstrip those of their male co-stars. The exhibition is a fascinating celebration of the Bollywood film industry and a great introduction for people like myself whose knowledge could certainly be improved. The idea of a country essentially grinding to a halt due to an actor suffering an injury (“not just an actor, Amitabh Bachchan”, Irna sagely informs me) is mind-boggling and stories like this mean that I’m determined to find out more about this incredible industry.
Following this we were taken to view the first ever UK retrospective of photographer Tom Wood’s work. The gritty and unglamorous images on display in Tom Wood: Photographs 1973 – 2013 provides a stark contrast to the colour and glitz seen in the previous exhibition. The retrospective consists of 116 images mainly taken in pubs, clubs and workplaces around Liverpool and Merseyside. Perhaps this is photography in its purest sense – unaltered snapshots of real life, frozen forever. Whether it’s a couple passionately embracing on a sweaty dance floor (this is passion in its purest sense as well, there are no Hollywood-esque delicate kisses here – these people are eating each other’s faces off) or a man staring forlornly out the window on the bus home, these are images that we can relate to.
The work on show made those attending ask a lot of questions, and I think this is maybe the highest praise you can offer an exhibit of this sort. Many of the photos on show were obtained without consent and are all the more raw for doing so – but what does that say about the rights of the subjects? What does it say about us looking at them now? Are we exploiting these people or are the messages and truths contained within the images more important than that? The only way to find out is to pop along and decide for yourself.
As for us, we retired back to the cafe with a bottle of wine to try and get to truth of the matter (spoiler warning – we didn’t). Nights like this just reaffirm in my mind why it’s such a pleasure to live where I do. With so much on offer it’s easy to forget about places like the National Media Museum, and easier still to take them for granted. I guarantee this time that five years won’t pass before my next visit.
Bollywood Icons: 100 Years of Indian Cinema and Tom Wood: Photoraphs 1973 – 2013 run until 16 June at the National Media Museum.
Entry to the museum and exhibitions is free and you can find out more at www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk
The Media Cafe is open 10am-10pm every day – (I recommend the courgette salad).