In celebration of Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad and Tobago, the National Library and Information System Authority’s (NALIS) Heritage Library has mounted the exhibition titled, “Indian Cinema in Trinidad and Tobago: Its Impact on Trinbagonian Identity and Culture,” in the Rotunda, National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain. The exhibition will run from May 23 to May 31.

The exhibition focuses on the impact of Indian film on East Indian identity and local culture. It highlights local cinemas such as Prince, Tivoli and Big B, which featured Indian movies and showcases the personalities in Indian radio and television such as Hansley “Hans” Hanoomansingh of Radio Guardian, Sham Mohammed of Mastana Bahar and Kamaluddin Mohammed and his brother Moean Mohammed of Radio Trinidad.

On screen actors highlighted for their contributions to Indo-Trinidadians films include: Ralph Maraj who played the lead role in the film “Bim” (1974), “The Right and the Wrong” (1970) and The Caribbean Fox (1970); Basdeo Panday, who starred in “Nine Hours to Rama” (1963), “Man in the Middle” (1964) and the “Brigand of Kandahar” (1965); Grace Maharaj for her role in “Man from Africa/Girl from India” (1982), “Men of Gray II” and many others.

Included in the exhibition is Robert Yao Ramesar, producer of over 120 films depicting the culture, history and people of Trinidad and Tobago. Ramesar produced “Sistagod” (2006), “Journey to Ganga Mai” and “Mami Wata”.

Bala Joban, was the first full length Indian movie that was brought to Trinidad and by Ranjit Kumar in 1934. The film showcased dances, songs and dialogues in Hindi and was first shown on December 03, 1935 at Globe Theatre.

NALIS’ Heritage Library through its various programmes and exhibitions continues to preserve and promote Trinidad and Tobago’s heritage information.