JOIN USChildren are everywhere in films —the child as a figure, an idea, image, narrative — a contested site of symbolism, romanticisation and controversy. The child is an ambivalent figure flitting between endurance and despair, vulnerability and violence. The National Gallery of Modern Art Bengaluru, in collaboration with Bangalore Film Society, is presenting ‘Child as an idea and image in cinema’ till June 30.
The films in this series examine the world from the child’s perspective. Here one sees children who are dealing with serious situation like death, poverty, war and oppression. The films offer unique insights into these tiny minds who are witnessing and at the receiving end of harsh realities of life.
‘Ivan’s Childhood’ by Andrei Tarkovsky in Russian will be screened on June 27. The debut feature by Andrei Tarkovsky, ‘Ivan’s Childhood’ is a poetic journey through the shards and shadows of one boy’s war-ravaged youth. ‘The Spirit of the Beehive’ by Víctor Erice (Spanish) will be showcased on June 28 and ‘The Apple’ by Samira Makhmalbaf (Persian and Azerbaijani) will be screened on June 29. ‘The Apple’ is directed by Samira Makhmalbaf at the age of only 17. This astonishingly mature first feature combines a swipe at an oppressive society with a joyous ode to awakening senses.
‘Kutty Japanin Kuzhandaigal’ (Children of Mini Japan) by Chalam Bennurakar in Tamil will be screened on June 30. This documentary is set in Sivakasi, a small town in Tamil Nadu.
All the films will start at 5 pm. Entry is free.