Pather Panchali resonates with us even in modern times, says Australian filmmaker Bruce Beresford

Australian film director Bruce Beresford is in Kolkata for the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival. The Driving Miss Daisy and Double Jeopardy fame director, who has a special place for Morgan Freeman in his heart and his movies, was in conversation with director Srijit Mukherji at a session. He spoke about the growing popularity of Indian movies in Australia and shared suggestions for Indian filmmakers, Satyajit Ray’s filmmaking techniques and more.

The art of listening

Bruce shares that it is important for any actor to listen to what other actors are saying when on set, and not wait for an external cue. “I always tell my actors (not so much to Morgan) when the other actor is speaking because the camera can photograph people while they think. It really takes a great actor like Morgan Freeman, who makes listening look as interesting as speaking,” shares the filmmaker.

“In acting, it should always feel like you are having this conversation for the first time, you may have practiced it, rehearsed it but if on camera it doesn’t look like it’s the first time, then it is not working”
On Ray's Pather Panchali

“Pather Panchali is my favourite Indian movie. It was finished in the 1950s but even if you look at it today, it resonates with modern times. Satyajit Ray had a distinctive straight forward style of film making. He also had a deep understanding of people and that is quite rare in films”

A view of one’s own

While he thinks Indian films have gained popularity in Australia over the years, he also has a suggestion for Indian filmmakers. He suggests filmmakers create something that excites them and has something to say.

“I’ve noticed this in both young Indian and Australian filmmakers, that they remake and remix films a lot. It’s so exciting when some director, especially some upcoming director has something exciting to say, has an individual view of the world”

“I want to make films until I am no longer able to walk. There are so many beautiful stories that I can tell people, keep getting work. Till the time I get work, I will continue making films”