British Council in Mumabai is arranging Shakespeare on Film seminar with Sir Ian McKellen

As the world celebrates Shakespeare 400 years after his death, award winning actor and Shakespeare Ambassador, Sir Ian McKellen known to many as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings and as Magneto in X-Men, unveils an exciting Shakespeare on Film programme in India this month.

With no other writer impacting so greatly on cinema, this programme explores on an epic scale how filmmakers have adapted, been inspired by and interpreted Shakespeare’s work for the big screen.

‘Shakespeare Lives’, the British Council and the GREAT Britain campaign’s major global programme in 2016, celebrates Shakespeare’s works and his influence on culture, education and society. The British Film Institute (BFI) has curated the most extensive international film touring programme of 18 key British Shakespeare films that will travel to 110 countries. 11 of these films will be screened across the British Council offices in 9 cities in India.

Monday 23 May - Hosted in collaboration with MAMI Film Club (Mumbai Academy of Moving Image) and the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) Mumbai, Sir Ian will be in conversation with an Indian superstar. Venue: Tata theatre, NCPA.

Tuesday 24 May - Hosted in collaboration with MAMI Film Club (Mumbai Academy of Moving Image), Sir Ian introduce will introduce Richard III directed by Richard Loncraine to audiences. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A session.

In addition to these two public events, Sir Ian will also open the 7th Kashish Mumbai International Queer Festival on 25 May at Liberty Cinema, speak with students at B D Somani International School and attend the Queen’s Birthday Party celebration in Mumbai.