All About the Movies: Adapting to Changing Times and Tech from the Projectionist’s Perch
From Manual Reels to Digital Ease – Projectionists’ Evolving Role in the Cinematic Experience
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In an era where cinema is undergoing a profound technological shift, the role of projectionists stands as a testament to adaptability and dedication. From the days of unwieldy projectors and hefty film reels to the seamless digital age, projectionists have been the unsung heroes behind the scenes, ensuring the magic of movies reaches audiences flawlessly.
Mohammed Aslam Fakih and PA Salam, projectionists at Pune’s National Film Archive of India (NFAI), have traversed time, starting from the grainy black-and-white era exemplified by Satyajit Ray’s 1955 classic “Pather Panchali,” all the way to the glossy color era. Their journey has taken them from the analog to the digital age, and they have adeptly adapted to the evolving times and technologies.
As cinema halls embraced modern technology in the early 2000s, substantial changes ensued. Fakih remarks that many manual tasks now require just a button press, relieving a significant amount of physical labor. With 53 years of experience as a projectionist at South Mumbai’s Regal Cinema, the 75-year-old Fakih speaks from a wealth of experience. Salam, at 67 years of age, has also been dedicated to the craft for over four decades. Both individuals represent the multitude of behind-the-scenes workers in the entertainment industry.
They recall the days of handling 35mm or 70mm film reels, weighing between 1.5 kg and 20 kg, which were brought to cinemas by assistants during the pre-digital era. Hindi films required 15-22 reels, while English films contained around 10-12 reels. In contrast, an entire film can now be stored on a hard drive for projection. In their role as film projectionists, their previous task was to load physical film reels onto projectors, closely monitoring the film’s progression and changing reels when required. Fakih reflects on the transformation: “I never envisioned operating a computer, yet I embraced it and continue to learn. Nowadays, it’s simply a matter of ‘clicking a button to start, clicking a button to stop.’ In the past, loading the film demanded significant physical effort.”
He further notes that although the core responsibilities have remained largely consistent, there is a noticeable reduction in physical exertion. Salam concurs, emphasizing the necessity to embrace new technology. “Previously, a substantial portion of our time was devoted to assembling and arranging film reels. Even a sneeze was a challenge. Now we can take breaks and resume screenings at our convenience. Adapting to changing times is imperative; we can’t rely on outdated methods for viewing films,” Salam adds.
Fakih recalls the era prior to digitalization when one print was transported between theaters, demanding rigorous effort. “There was genuine hard work involved. We had to rapidly rewind, load, and manage prints. This was especially demanding with multiple parts of a film, each managed by its own projector operator. An additional person was dedicated to rewinding the reels. This was our daily routine,” says Fakih, an avowed Hitchcock enthusiast.
-Rajak Sharma
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