Another month, another director! September brings a master film director from France whose films were considered to be larger than life. Remembering Jean Renoir.

Jean Renoir (1894–1979) was a pioneering French filmmaker and one of the most influential directors in cinema history. Born on September 15, 1894, in Paris, France, he was the son of the renowned impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Jean Renoir made his mark in the film industry with a body of work characterized by its humanism, social commentary, and innovative techniques. His films, such as La Grande Illusion (1937) and The Rules of the Game (1939), are celebrated for their deep characterizations, fluid camera movements, and exploration of class and societal structures. Renoir's style often blended realism with poetic storytelling, earning him a lasting legacy in both French and world cinema. He passed away on February 12, 1979, in Beverly Hills, California, leaving behind a rich cinematic heritage.

Film Title: THE RIVER | 1951 | 99 Mins | France, India, & USA | Bengali & English Language with English Subtitles

About the film: The River (French: Le Fleuve) is a 1951 Technicolor drama romance film directed by Jean Renoir and produced by Kenneth McEldowney. The cast includes Esmond Knight, Nora Swinburne and Arthur Shields. A fairly faithful dramatization of the 1946 novel of the same name by Rumer Godden, the film's narrative follows a teenage girl's coming of age and first love, with the namesake river serving as both the backdrop and a central metaphor. The film was shot in Calcutta, India, where Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray, who was then only a student of cinema, could meet Renoir for guidance.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!