12th Kolkata Film Festival : An Experience or two…

My experience of watching the first movie at the 12th Kolkata Film Festival (2006) was a memorable one, and no, not primarily because of the film itself. Courtesy the free morning passes for Rabindra Sadan and our initiative of getting into the habit of watching (not always appreciating!) some quality movies, my friend and myself encountered The Passion of Joan of Arc, on the second day morning. The film deals with the last few hours of Joan of Arc’s life, which is a pleasant break from the more popular and oft repeated facade of the warrior-woman.

Despite the film being a tragedy, ending with the pious woman’s torture and execution, it all started on a humorous note.

The first attempt made by the projectionist resulted in a great furor in the hall. Due to a technical glitch, the image appeared inverted on screen. I have no idea about the other international film festivals but such light-hearted (!) opening can perhaps only be expected in Kolkata. After all, what better way to start the day than with some fun!

Now if you thought that was enough for the day, read on.

When the scriptures propagate forgiveness, there is also a warning behind them. Liberally translated it stands as - “Fool, thou art no different”. Yes, we must accept the minor (and not-so minor) technical problems without complaining. After all machines often have a will of their own and technicians are mere mortals. Wondering what I am getting at? Here was the second bonanza of the show.

Couple of seconds into the movie (projected right at the second attempt), there was another uproar in the hall. “Where the hell has the sound gone”- most exclaimed with added invectives. And some like me, who were too conscious of ourselves, hoped that the sound would be turned on soon.

“It is a silent movie”, a lone voice shouted, probably the projectionist’s. I could faintly trace the bitter satire in his words. It was a pin drop silence after that, or so I thought.

Is it our ignorance and lack of exposure to silent movies that created the faux pas? Or is it our vulnerability caused by the prevalence of too much sound all around- even when we do not need it? Perhaps for a second or two we failed to realize that sound can be conspicuous by its absence too!

Now for the moral of the day. We, who are not so well acquainted with the history and grammar of films, but nonetheless try to enjoy them as a pleasure, can take heart. The Godard and the Kurosawa quoting section of our brethren are just a minority. What hope!

Edited by : Pranab Ganguly
Date: 09.08.2008
More About Pranab Ganguly