The Creative Person: Satyajit Ray

Year Published: 1967

Creator: Indiana University Audio-Visual Center

Complete Record: Summary: Satyajit Ray, noted Indian film maker, explains the underlying philosophy guiding him in the production of his films, which he sees as a confluence of Eastern and Western cultures. Ray's main objective is to make his audiences see and think about issues such as poverty and politics. Synopsis: Satyajit Ray’s plane lands in the windblown city of Calcutta on a commercial airline. Several stills of Ray working on the sets of his films are shown, as are several well-known scenes. An interview of Ray is conducted from the back of a moving taxi. There, the filmmaker talks about what at the time is his newest film, as the scenery of city life in Calcutta is shown from the cab’s window. Shots of buildings and busy streets are shown and are followed by many Indian men and women bathing in a river alongside several giant boats. The homes of very wealthy individuals are juxtaposed with images of skyscrapers and lots of statues are shown. Calcutta is depicted as a massive metropolis. Ray talks about how the people in Calcutta are always in a constant state of reacting to the stimuli the city provides, and it is for that reason that he stays in India to make his films. Lots of stills from Ray’s films follow. The next interview with Ray is conducted in his study, where he talks more about his films, and his use of both actors and non-actors and how he stages a scene. Still stills and shots of Ray directing and interviews with many of his actors, including Kairuna Bannerji, follow over his voiceover.