Paul Zils
Directing
Biography
Paul Zils (18 June 1915 – 30 March 1979) was a German-Indian documentary filmmaker who played a major role in the development of Indian documentary filmmaking. Born in Germany, Zils moved to India in the late 1940s, where he became deeply involved in the country's burgeoning film industry, particularly in the documentary genre. He is best known for his collaborations with the Films Division of India, where he worked as both a director and a producer, helping to shape the documentary film landscape in post-independence India. Zils was instrumental in capturing the social and political changes occurring in India during the mid-20th century, focusing on issues such as poverty, agriculture, and cultural heritage. His films were notable for their sensitivity to Indian traditions and issues, and his work brought global attention to the power of documentary cinema as a tool for social change.
Known For

William MacPhab loses seven-pounds in the stock market and decides to slap the man who was responsible for the stock manipulation that caused him to lose his money. Astor Terbanks, the stock-market manipulator is surprised the next day when he gets soundly slapped by MacPhab, and the latter promises to deliver one more a day for the next six days. Terbank's daughter, Daisy, is amused by the procedure and is attracted to MacPhab.
Seven Slaps

After completing work on the British musical Invitation to the Waltz, Lillian Harvey returned to her adopted country of Germany to star in the comedy-with-music Glueckskinder (Children of Fortune). Harvey plays Ann Garden, an unemployed actress who ends up in night court on a loitering charge. Here she meets Gil Taylor (Willy Fritsch), a struggling songwriter temporarily employed as a court reporter. Hoping to keep her out of jail, Gil impulsively tells the judge that he's engaged to Ann -- whereupon the judge, equally impulsively, marries the couple on the spot! After this inauspicious start, Ann and Gil embark upon a rocky (but tuneful) whirlwind romance.
Lucky Kids

Prince Klemens von Metternich orders Friedrich Gentz, one of his aides, to keep the Duke of Reichstadt---Napoleon Francois Joseph Charles---son of Napoleon and heir to the French throne, from thinking about French politics. Gentz enlists the help of ballerina Fanny Elsser, all the rage in several European capitals, to keep the Duke distracted.
Fanny Elssler
Though times have changed, Ram still uses old ways of farming due to a drought in the village. His brother, Bala, goes to Bombay to earn his living. Mahadev, a Zamindar in the village, eyes Usha, the lover of Bala. Due to the drought, the crops fail in the village, and Shikh Sahib, a social worker, comes to help the farmers, and shows them new ways of farming. Ramu goes to Bombay to take a loan for cooperative farming and asks Bala to turn back to the village, but he refuses. [The film is a socio-economic study of post-independence India, blending documentary elements with narrative storytelling. The film is often described as a "simple story woven into the documentary design" and features actors like Prithviraj Kapoor and Dev Anand.]
India Is Ours

Bengal's struggle to get rid of British domination by terrorism and underground intrigue.
Zalzala
Asiatische Religionen (1965) is a German-language miniseries directed by Paul Zils and Gisela Bonn, with narration by Paul Klinger. The series explores various Asian religions, delving into their philosophies, rituals, and cultural impacts. Through a combination of interviews, visual storytelling, and expert insights, the miniseries offers viewers an in-depth understanding of the diverse religious traditions across Asia.
Asiatische Religionen
"Community" is a 1947 documentary directed by Paul Zils, a filmmaker known for his significant contributions to Indian documentary cinema. Unfortunately, specific details about the film's content are scarce, and it appears that the film may be lost.
Community
"A Tiny Thing Brings Death" is a 1949 documentary directed by Paul Zils and Fali Bilimoria. The film focuses on the impact of malaria in India, highlighting the disease's prevalence and the efforts to combat it. Notably, the documentary features actor Sombhu Mitra, who portrays a malaria victim, bringing a dramatic element to the film.
A Tiny Thing Brings Death
"The Last Jewel" is a 1949 film co-directed by Paul Zils and Fali Bilimoria. Specific details about the film's plot and content are scarce, and it appears that the film may be lost.
The Last Jewel
"Oraons of Bihar" is a 1955 short documentary film directed by Paul Zils. The film focuses on the Oraon tribe, one of the largest indigenous communities in South Asia, with a significant population in Bihar, India. It explores their traditional lifestyle, culture, and social structure, providing insights into their language, customs, and the role of the village headman, known as the 'munda'. This documentary is among the early ethnographic films in India, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Oraon people.
Oraons of Bihar
1945 documentary directed by Paul Zils. The film explores the history and development of Bombay (now Mumbai), highlighting its transformation from a collection of seven islands into a major urban center.
Bombay, the Story of Seven Isles
Directed by Paul Zils, 'Textiles' is a documentary film exploring aspects of India's textile industry during the mid-20th century
Textiles
"White Magic" is a 1949 drama film co-directed by Paul Zils and Fali Bilimoria.
White Magic
"General Motors in India" is a 1949 documentary co-directed by Paul Zils and Fali Bilimoria. The film explores General Motors' operations in India during that period, highlighting the company's influence on the nation's industrial landscape. While specific details about the documentary's content are limited, it is recognized as part of Zils' extensive work in Indian documentary cinema.
General Motors in India
Directed by Paul Zils, Our India is a short documentary film written by Minoo Masani. The film focuses on India's post-independence socio-political landscape, documenting the nation's early years of independence and its efforts toward development. With its documentary style, the film emphasizes themes such as national unity, social progress, and the challenges faced by a newly independent India.
Our India
Documentary produced for Burmah-Shell about changing social patterns in India. It illustrates the breakdown of traditional life-styles and the introduction of a more fragmented society with the growth of India's industrial development. [Part of the 'Life in India' series.]
Family in Bangalore
"Two Worlds" is a 1949 drama film directed by Paul Zils.
Two Worlds
Maa, the Story of an Unmarried Person (1956) is a short documentary directed by Paul Zils, highlighting the challenges faced by unmarried mothers and their children in India.
Maa, the Story of an Unmarried Person
"Ujala" is a 1954 short documentary film directed by Paul Zils. Specific details about the film's content are limited, but it is categorized as a documentary short.
Ujala
"Kurwandi Road" is a 1948 short documentary directed by Paul Zils. The film was produced for CIBA, a Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical company, and focuses on the construction of a road in the Kurwandi region of India. This project was significant as it facilitated access to remote areas, promoting development and connectivity. The documentary highlights the challenges faced during the construction process and underscores the importance of infrastructure in regional development.