The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) is paying tribute to legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, whose 100th birth anniversary was on Sunday, by streaming his films on its over-the-top (OTT) platform, Cinemas of India, from 2 to 5 May for free.
Some of these films include Ghare Baire (1984), Ganashatru (1989), Agantuk (1991) and Uttoran (1993). Also being screened is Nemai Ghosh – A Ray of Light (2018), a documentary on the friendship between Ray and photographer Nemai Ghosh.
The NFDC is also giving away books on Ray to new subscribers during this period, including Satyajit Ray In 100 Anecdotes and Another Dozen Stories.
Dhanpreet Kaur, director, films (information and broadcasting ministry) and managing director of NFDC, said, “The ministry of I&B is elated to open the grand centenary celebrations of the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. It is indeed a pleasure to organize the film festival on NFDC’s OTT Cinemas of India. Ray’s films are renowned globally. It’s always a learning experience watching his films. Hope the audiences enjoy the films all over again.”
Speaking about the film Nemai Ghosh – A Ray of Light, director Anirban Mitra said, “It is the moving story of how an ordinary man came to be associated with a giant of cinema Satyajit Ray and became the photo-chronicler of his creative and personal world. It also pays tribute to the elegance of black-and-white films and the nuances of analogue photography.”
He added, “We are pleased to present this film on NFDC Ray Centenary Festival. The film has been screened in six countries, 10 cities within India and 14 film festivals, garnering four awards and special mentions.”