A naturalistic but poetic depiction of a number of years in the life of a rural Bengali family, Ray’s feature debut introduces us to both little Apu and, just as essentially, the women who will help shape him: his independent older sister, Durga; his harried mother, Sarbajaya, who, with her husband away, must hold the family together; and his kindly and mischievous elderly “auntie,” Indir – vivid, multifaceted characters all. With resplendent photography, Pather Panchali, is an immersive cinematic experience and a film of elemental power.

Notes by David O’Mahony

Screening as part of the Apu trilogy. Tickets for Apur Sansar here. Tickets for Aparajito here.