In Association with the Academy Film Archive, the British Film Institute in Southbank, announces the full programme for Satyajit Ray’s: The Language of Film, a season celebrating one of the true masters of world cinema.
Satyajit Ray’s centenary in 2021, as well as 75 years of Indian independence, mark a timely juncture to showcase his complete body of remarkable work.
The cinema will show case some of his best work, his ‘Apu Trilogy’ Pather Panchali, 1955, Aparajito, 1956 and The World Of Apu, 1959, The Music Room, 1958, The Lonely Wife, 1964, Days And Nights In The Forest, 197, as well as many more.
Programmed thematically by Sangeeta Datta, the season is presented in association with the Academy Film Archive and will include numerous restorations on 35mm from their archives, as well as three 4K restorations, made by the Criterion Collection and the UK premiere of four brand new 4K restorations, presented by the National Film Archive of India.
In an extended screening at BFI Southbank, from 22 July, one of the highlights of the season will be the re-release of the 1963 production, The Big City in selected cinemas UK-wide.
Set in the mid-50s Calcutta, in a society still adjusting to Independence and gripped by the social and financial crisis, this powerful, progressive cinema classic sees a middle-class housewife brilliantly and excitingly defy expectations and find herself becoming a successful businesswoman.
A master of his craft and generous in spirit, Satyajit Ray remains a classic star of world cinema. He hailed from a progressive, literary family in Bengal and his films document the journey of a nation from colonial to post-colonial, tradition to modernity, from changing generations of fathers to sons, and shifting relations in times of crisis or rupture.
A polymath who scripted, designed, composed and directed, Ray offered enduring glimpses of life itself through his poetic treatment of the story. He used exquisite dramatic detail, original music scores and some of the finest actors to weave small narratives that held larger worlds in their fold.
Ray’s recurring themes will be highlighted alongside his filmmaking style, with contributions to Ray’s work from expert speakers, including those working in the Indian film industry today. There will also be an afternoon of talks and discussions offering different approaches to appreciating Ray, and looking at his influences and legacy of Satyajit Ray: His Home And The World on 16 July.
BFI’s Satyajit Ray: The Language of Film season runs from 1 July 2022 to 31 August 2022.
Complete season programme by theme:
