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The Elements of Watson's

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The Elements of Watson’s / Le fantôme du Watson

Illustrations – Marie-France Annasse
Author – Rahul Srivastava
Preface – Martine van Woerkens
Essay – Hélène Kessous

Illustrated with watercolors, collages, and drawings by Marie-France Annasse, this book unfolds as a poetic journey told from the perspective of a ghost inhabiting the legendary Watson Hotel. A silent witness to the very first film screening in India by the Lumière brothers in 1896, the ghost recounts the birth of a love for cinema in a country that has since become the world’s largest film producer.

Moving between Paris and Mumbai, the book traces the journey of cinema from its early days in Europe to its second life in India, through a narrative that is both evocative and visually rich, brought to life by Annasse’s playful and vibrant imagery.

A beautifully crafted volume for lovers of cinema, art, and history, accompanied by a charming leporello with tips on how to enjoy the best kulfi in Mumbai.

 

 

Colour : Multi Coloured
Minus Plus
Description

DEEYA Paris invites readers on a captivating journey through the early days of cinema. Beginning from the moment the Lumière brothers showed their first films in Paris, to the inaugural screening faraway in the Watson Hotel in Mumbai (then Bombay, India) in 1896.  

Brought to life, by the original illustrations of Marie France Annasse, the publication transforms history into a visually rich and engaging narrative. Her distinctive artistic style creates a playful and unique storytelling experience.

Rahul Srivastava is a co-founder of urbz and The Institute of Urbanology. Having studied social and urban anthropology in Mumbai, Delhi and Cambridge (UK), he continues to write extensively on urban issues, bringing his background in anthropology and visual ethnography to urbanology.

Marie‑France Annasse, Paris-based and of Indian and Parisian heritage, has developed a multifaceted practice spanning imaginary gardens in cut paper, collages, finely carved gouache-painted sculptures, publications, and short films. Her works have been exhibited in India, Denmark, and France and are included in numerous private and institutional collections.

Printed in colour

Published in 2026 by Les 8 Cobras

Dimensions: 22 x 17 x 0.5cm

ISBN: 978-2-9565551-6-2

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The Elements of Watson’s / Le fantôme du Watson

Illustrations – Marie-France Annasse
Author – Rahul Srivastava
Preface – Martine van Woerkens
Essay – Hélène Kessous

Illustrated with watercolors, collages, and drawings by Marie-France Annasse, this book unfolds as a poetic journey told from the perspective of a ghost inhabiting the legendary Watson Hotel. A silent witness to the very first film screening in India by the Lumière brothers in 1896, the ghost recounts the birth of a love for cinema in a country that has since become the world’s largest film producer.

Moving between Paris and Mumbai, the book traces the journey of cinema from its early days in Europe to its second life in India, through a narrative that is both evocative and visually rich, brought to life by Annasse’s playful and vibrant imagery.

A beautifully crafted volume for lovers of cinema, art, and history, accompanied by a charming leporello with tips on how to enjoy the best kulfi in Mumbai.