Foreign Films Shared Interest Group screening of "Pather Panchali"

Wednesday, April 6th at 7:30 pm Eastern

Online on Zoom: Click here to RSVP

Pather Panchali, a 1955 Indian Bengali-language epic drama written and directed by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, is described as a turning point in Indian cinema. The first film from independent India to attract major international critical attention, it won India's National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 1955, the Best Human Document award at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival, and several other awards, establishing Ray as one of the country's most distinguished filmmakers. It is often featured in lists of the greatest films ever made. The soundtrack of the film was composed by the sitar player Ravi Shankar.

Impoverished priest Harihar Ray (Kanu Bannerjee), dreaming of a better life for himself and his family, leaves his rural Bengal village in search of work. Alone, his wife, Sarbojaya (Karuna Bannerjee), looks after her rebellious daughter, Durga (Uma Das Gupta), and her young son, Apu (Subir Bannerjee), as well as Harihar's elderly aunt Indir (Chunibala Devi). The children enjoy the small pleasures of their difficult life, while their parents suffer the daily indignities heaped upon them.

We would love to hear about your ideas for future film screenings.  Let us know your suggestions via our Foreign Film Bulletin Board. Please contact Christopher Guidette for additional information.

Pre-registration is required. Click here to register safely and securely online or call 413.236.2190 (M-F 9am-4pm) to register by phone.

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