IDSFFK 2025 to Showcase Ritwik Ghatak’s Iconic Short Films

Quick Summary

• The 17th edition of the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) will honor filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak as part of his centenary celebrations.
• Two of Ghatak’s iconic short films, There Flows Padma, The Mother River and Fear, will be screened during the festival.
• There Flows Padma, The Mother River (1971) depicts Bangladesh’s freedom struggle against a tyrannical regime and is dedicated to “exploited humanity.”
• Fear was created as an acting training film featuring future luminaries such as Subhash Ghai, Asrani, Sudha Rani, Urvashi dutta, and Govardhan Sharma. It portrays social tensions under the existential threat posed by a hypothetical hydrogen bomb attack.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The decision to commemorate Ritwik Ghatak’s centenary by showcasing his works at IDSFFK is a timely reminder of the lasting influence he has had on both Indian cinema and global filmmaking. His films embody deep human struggles-whether political or existential-which continue to resonate today. Through There Flows Padma, audiences are reintroduced to moments in history that underline themes of resistance and liberation relevant not only for Bangladesh but also for broader struggles against oppression globally. On the other hand, Fear provides glimpses into social anxieties stemming from nuclear fear-a theme that retains its universality decades later.

Ghatak’s ability to blend sharp political commentary with emotional depth highlights an art form rooted in societal relevance rather than escapism-an approach vital for contemporary cinematic discourse in India today. This tribute serves as both homage to his legacy and inspiration for emerging filmmakers seeking meaningful narratives.

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