TOKYO FILMeX

For his enormous popularity in India’s Bengal region, art house film leader Ritwik GhataK is on the same level as Satyajit RAY, who was already well established abroad. Before now, only one of GHATAK’s films has been introduced in Japan. However, the 2006 Jeonju International Film Festival (Korea) assembled a special screening of his works and the opportunity for re-evaluation magnified. This year, “The Cloudcapped Star (Meghe Dhaka Tara)” is being presented at “Japan-India Friendship Year 2007: Indian Film Festival” at the National Film Center from October to November. GHATAK is one of the master filmmakers, having left his distinctive mark in Indian film history. Dramatically depicting the continuing struggles of people whose lives are being trifled by fate, set in the tumultuous history of his own birthplace of Bengal, GHATAK’s works are sure to profoundly penetrate the audience’s heart. Through a joint sponsorship with the Japan Foundation, four films in all are screened as a special showcase (all are Japanese premieres).

Ritwik GHATAK Profile
Born November 4, 1925 in Dhaka in what is now Bangladesh. Published novels and plays while he was enrolled in university. Afterward, he was active in the theater world as a director, playwright, and actor. In 1949, made his first venture into cinema assisting with direction and screenwriting on director Manoj Bhattacharya's "Tathapi." His debut film, "Nagarik" was released in 1953. He stayed active in both theater and film, but suffered from alcoholism starting in the early 1960s. Passed away in Calcutta on February 6, 1976. Occasionally making use of an experimental style, GHATAK released works that dealt with culture and social problems of the Bengal region. Directed documentaries and short films besides his eight feature length films.

1958 / 102min.

1962 / 128min.

A River Called Titash (Titas Ekti Nadir Naam)

1973 / 159min.

Reason, Debate and a Story (Jukti Takko Ar Gappo)

1974 / 120min.