Satyajit Ray's 86th birthday celebrated
Ahsan Habib
To observe the 86th birth anniversary of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, Bangladesh Film Institute Alumni Association (BFIAA) organised a seminar titled Shimar Opare Satyajit: Ekti Onuprerona (Satyajit Beyond Boundaries: An Inspiration) and a film screening on May 4. The programme was held at the Bangladesh Film Archive Auditorium.Shabin Ashfarah Khondokar and Rafael Ahsan presented a paper in the seminar. Eminent filmmakers Tarique Masud and Tanvir Mokammel along with Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Hossain, president of BFIAA were the discussants at the programme. "Satyajit showed us the tools to transcend structural shortcomings such as technological or monetary barriers to produce international standard films. He remains an inspiration for filmmakers all over the world who have limited resources to work with-- yet committed to go beyond boundaries," noted Shabin and Rafael. They also examined the 'economy of expression' in Ray's films, sets and motifs. The discussants considered some of earlier criticisms of Ray's films now seem misplaced and premature. Tarique Masud focused on handling the actors in Ray's films and his ability to move the audience without melodrama. Tanvir Mokammel emphasised on Ray's strong presence on the Bengali cultural scene all throughout his life with works in different mediums. The programme ended with the screening of Ray's Shakha Proshakha.
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