Manipal: Ray was an Indian filmmaker who was a pioneer of neo-realism of India. Filmmakers around the globe quote him as their guru in world cinema. Ray brought new sensibilities to Indian films and a new approach to film making, said renowned film maker Girish Kasravalli. He was speaking after inaugurating the three-day Satyajit Ray Film Festival (March 17- 19, 2022) today, organized by Gandhian Centre for Philosophical Arts and Sciences, MAHE, Manipal.

He continued, film for Ray was a pure medium of artistic expression and he brought a new cinematic idiom. Ray would unravel the film so that viewer can understand and make his own assessments. Ray was a complete film maker, stated Mr Kasaravalli.

The film festival, which commemorates the birth-centenary of master filmmaker Satyajit Ray (1921-2021), is being held at Planetarium complex, Manipal.

Presiding over the inauguration, The MAHE Pro-Chancellor Dr H S Ballal, talked about the importance of liberal arts and humanities in making a university complete and the Ray Film Festival was a step forward in making the youth familiar with such cinematic masterpieces.

Guest of honor Vice-Chancellor, Lt Gen Dr M D Venkatesh said such a film festival brings in a critical nature of evaluating Satyajit Ray’s movies and how it relates to contemporary events.  

In the introductory remark GCPAS Head Prof Varadesh Hiregange drew parallels between Satyajit Ray and Girish Kasaravalli. He remarked that both the filmmakers broke stereotypical characterizations of women through their movies. Ray’s movies which were rooted in Indian Neo-realism made him a movement by himself, stated Prof Hiregange.

Prof Phaniraj proposed Vote of thanks. Ms. Shravya Baasri sang MAHE anthem and Vaishanava Janatho, Ms Mariam Roy and Ms Judy Sherine Faber compered the programme.

Opening film Pather Panchali was screened on the first day followed by a discussion.

The second day (March 18, 2022) begins with a screening of the documentary film on Rabindranath Tagore made by Ray. This will be followed by an interaction with Girish Kasaravalli on his films, other films, and filmmakers at 11 am. The films to be screened on that day are Kanchenjungha (2 pm), Mahanagar (4.30 pm), Ghare-Baire (7 pm).

The third day begins with Kasaravalli’s special talk on ”Glimpses of World Cinema” at 9.15 am to be followed by the valedictory. 

This will be presided by Dr Vinod Bhat, Executive Vice- President, MAHE, Manipal. The guest of honour will be Dr Prithviraj M, Director, MCNS, Manipal. The last film to be screened that day is Agantuk (11.15 am).