Pather Panchali

The release of Satyajit Ray’s debut film Pather Panchali (Song of the Little Road) announced to the world an eloquent and important new cinematic voice. A depiction of rural Bengali life in a style inspired by Italian neorealism, this naturalistic but poetic drama introduces us to both little Apu and, just as critically, the vivid and multifaceted members of his family. With resplendent photography informed by its young protagonist’s perpetual sense of discovery, the Cannes-awarded Pather Panchali is an immersive cinematic experience and a film of elemental power. (125 mins., 4K DCP)