Satyajit Ray: The Master Storyteller

Described as the philosopher king of Indian cinema the films of Satyajit Ray demonstrate a remarkable humanism mixed with a rare blend of intellect and emotions that appeal to all levels of society.

When coupled with an elaborate sense of observation and subtle handling of characters and situations we are left with films that make audiences think about the very things that make us all human - relationships, emotions, struggle, conflicts, joys and sorrows.

Born in West Bengal this masterful storyteller has left a timeless cinematic heritage that belongs as much to the world as it does to India. This is why three of his most outstanding works have been chosen to tour Scotland as part of our Scotland-Kolkata Connections 2009 programme.

From 13 September to 24 October three films by this acclaimed director, which have been curated by film author and former Director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Mark Cousins, will tour venues across four Scottish cities; Glasgow, Stirling, Dundee and Inverness.

The tour is part of a year-long programme of events called Scotland-Kolkata Connections 2009 which aims to strengthen ties between Scotland and India. In November 2008 Scottish film students screened their work at the Kolkata Film Festival, while in January 2009 Scotland was the theme country at the Kolkata Book Fair with an opening address delivered by Alexander McCall Smith. The centrepiece of the 2009 Kolkata Book Fair was a specially designed Scotland pavilion which over the ten days attracted more than 580,000 visitors.

In June 2009 the British Council launched the Paradise Movie Hall at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. For three days St John's Church Hall in the heart of Edinburgh was transformed into a magical forest cinema, screening nine classic Bengali films curated by Mark Cousins. The films were by renowned directors including Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Tapan Sinha and Anup Singh.

Also attending the Festival for a unique in-person onstage interview was the first lady of Bengali Cinema, the legendary actress, Sharmila Tagore.

Films on tour:

Devi (Goddess)
Satyajit Ray, India 1960, 93 mins

A teenager’s father-in-law dreams that she is a Devi (goddess) – and word spreads of her healing powers. Crowds flock, and she becomes the eye of a storm. To those who claim that Indian acting can be showy and exuberant, teenager Sharmila Tagore’s performance (she was 13 at the time) is a study in stillness and one of the most beautiful performances in Indian cinema.

Seemabaddha (Company Limited)
Satyajit Ray, India 1971, 110 mins

At the centre of the film, business executive Shyamalendu, is climbing the career ladder. His sister-in-law Tutal (Sharmila Tagore) visits him at a time of worker unrest, which Shyamalendu deals with in an unedifying manner.

The film reflects elements of suspicion that surrounded the commercial sector at the time in India.

Agantuk (The Stranger)
Satyajit Ray, India 1991, 120 mins

Anila and her husband, Sudhindra Bose, receive the news that her uncle Manmohan, who has spent more than 35 years travelling in distant lands, is back in India and would like to spend a few days with them. Manmohan arrives and turns out to be a forthright man with lots of stories to tell about his travels, which make the Boses a bit suspicious.

He, however, wins the admiration of their 11-year-old son, Satyaki. Sengupta, a barrister friend, is invited to subject the uncle to an interrogation during the course of which Manmohan is openly insulted. The next morning, Manmohan is gone. The couple set out in search of him and eventually make a discovery that is both a source of delight and shame for them.

For more information on the Bengali Film tour telephone +44 (0)131 524 5750 or email sheila.murray@britishcouncil.org.