Film Show by The People's Voice

This month's film :
Salt of The Earth
Known as Hollywood Blacklist Film by
Hevert J.Biverman

Films on Prem Chand Stories Screened at Jalandhar

‘Kafan’ and ‘Sadgati’ were screened by the People’s Voice on 31^st March, 2013 at Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandar. Both films were based on classic stories of the same names by Prem Chand. The former was directed by Gulzar and the latter was directed by Satyajit Ray.

The screening was followed by discussion on films. Participating in the discussion, senior journalist and film personality Bakhshinder said that both films raised the issue which is still relevant. He pointed out some technical inaccuracies, problem of continuity and ineffectiveness of some scenes in ‘Kafan’. He added that due to the fact that both films were made for ‘Doordarshan’, that is why both films shows no solution of the issue of caste raised in the films.

While highlighting the anti-people role played by godmen, Manjit is of the view that normally people go to godmen only when there is no hope left of their development.

Noted film personality Jaskaran gave detailed analysis of some of the symbols used by Satayajit Ray in ‘Sadgati’.

Arundeep of ‘the People’s voice’ added that though both these films are well made, however, the difference between calibers of both the directors is clearly established.

Kulwinder of ‘the People’s Voice’ while broadly agreeing with the views expressed by all participants, relied some of the points raised by Bakshinder. He explained how different words for an action is being used even by the people living in same region. He added that the production of films by Doordarshan is not the reason that any solution of the problem is not given, however, it is the choice of director, and it is not always necessary for a writer or director to give a solution. He gave details of some other films of Ray especially ‘Ashani Sanket’, ‘Pather Panchali’. He  explained how  the end of ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’ changed by Ray. He further added that most of the ‘Mainstream’ films deal with some problem, but offer false and unrealistic solution. Placing the films in their historical context, he explained the juncture of Indian National Movement at which the issue of caste came into forefront.     

Concluding the discussion Salish of ‘the People’s Voice pointed out that it is the conscious decision of the organization to begin the show with ‘Kafan’ and conclude by ‘Sadgati’ as the ‘Kafan’ shows the dehumanization of human beings by system whereas ‘Sadgati’ move characters towards their emancipation. He pointed out that the denial of lifting of dead body by dalits is a clear sign of their level of consciousness.

It is pertinent to add here that ‘the People’s Voice’ holds a film show on the last Sunday of every month in Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandhar in which screening of film is followed by discussion of films.

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Film Show by the People's Voice on 31st Mrach

A Writer and Two Film Directors

A film show based on films made on stories of Prem Chand

 All are cordially invited  

Ballad of Builders screened at Jalandhar

Ballad of Builders

Famous documetary film Ballad of Builders was screened by the People's Voice on 27 Jan, 2013 in Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandhar. The documentary film, directed by Gargi Sen. The film shows that from Mohenjodaro to modern India, construction continues to be the common foundation of growth and development. Yet, the construction workers, over 20 million in number, continue to eke out a miserable living where even the basic necessities for dignified living are denied to them. The film looks at the condition of the construction worker vis--vis the construction industry, builders organisations and the government. The film has been screened to millions of construction workers all over India by various union. 

The screening was followed by discussion on the film.

The Thinker by Rodin

The Thinker is a bronze sculpture on marble pedestal by Auguste Rodin, whose first cast, of 1902. It depicts a man in sober meditation battling with a powerful internal struggle. It is often used to represent philosophy.

François-Auguste-René Rodin (12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917), known as Auguste Rodin, was a French sculptor. Although Rodin is generally considered the progenitor of modern sculpture, he did not set out to rebel against the past. He was schooled traditionally, took a craftsman-like approach to his work, and desired academic recognition, although he was never accepted into Paris's foremost school of art. Sculpturally, Rodin possessed a unique ability to model a complex, turbulent, deeply pocketed surface in clay. Many of his most notable sculptures were roundly criticized during his lifetime. They clashed with the predominant figure sculpture tradition, in which works were decorative, formulaic, or highly thematic. Rodin's most original work departed from traditional themes of mythology and allegory, modeled the human body with realism, and celebrated individual character and physicality. Rodin was sensitive to the controversy surrounding his work, but refused to change his style.

An Interesting Documentary on Punjab

The film, made in the year 1925, is an interesting document to watch at the link given below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aAdVenXVXs  

Film Show on 30th December