The selection of these two films marks the fourth consecutive year that Film Heritage Foundation has been invited to present its restoration work at Cannes Classics. FHF’s previous Cannes presentations include Aravindan Govindan’s ‘Thamp’ in 2022, Aribam Syam Sharma’s ‘Ishanou’ in 2023, and Shyam Benegal’s ‘Manthan’ in 2024, each contributing to a growing appreciation for South Asian cinema on the global stage. Showcasing two films this year underscores FHF’s commitment to preserving and promoting the rich tapestry of South Asian cinema on a global stage.

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Director, Film Heritage Foundation remarks, “Working on the restoration of Satyajit Ray’s ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’ has been an incredibly moving experience. Seeing the film’s beauty and artistry revitalized after 56 years – from its haunting score and the captivating chemistry of its cast, to the unforgettable grace of Sharmila Tagore and Ray’s sensitive portrayal of the Santhal tribals – has been a true privilege. Equally profound was the journey of restoring Sumitra Peries’ ‘Gehenu Lamai.’ I remember so vividly the day Sumitra-ji entrusted me with a DVD of the film, her handwritten notes a testament to her deep affection for this work. Watching it, I was struck by the film’s poetic imagery and the delicate assuredness with which she navigated the fragile emotions of her young actors. Knowing the precarious condition of the film elements at the time, I felt a sense of urgency to preserve this masterpiece before it was lost forever. Thanks to the generous support of the French Government through our collaboration on the FISCH initiative, we were able to undertake this challenging restoration. It was a painstaking process, piecing together three different elements to bring ‘Gehenu Lamai’ back to its original glory. My only regret is that Sumitra-ji is not here to witness this rebirth of her poetic vision.”

Aranyer Din Ratri (Days And Nights In The Forest)

Satyajit Ray’s ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’, a seminal work in the canon of Indian cinema, has been meticulously restored through a synergistic collaboration between The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project, Film Heritage Foundation and The Criterion Collection /Janus Films. The 4K restoration was completed using the original camera and sound negative preserved by Purnima Dutta, producer of “Aranyer Din Ratri” and two other Satyajit Ray films – “Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne” (1969) and “Pratidwandi” (1970).

The premiere of ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’ in Cannes will be presented by a distinguished cohort of film luminaries, including filmmaker and Board Member of The Film Foundation Wes Anderson, film’s lead actress Sharmila Tagore, Simi Garewal, producer Purnima Dutta, Executive Director of The Film Foundation Margaret Bodde, Director of Film Heritage Foundation Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and Peter Becker and Fumiko Takagi of The Criterion Collection / Janus Films.

Wes Anderson states, “Anything signed by Satyajit Ray must be cherished and preserved; but the nearly-forgotten Days and Nights in the Forest is a special/particular gem… Made in 1970. Modern and novelistic. Ray worked in terrain perhaps more familiar to Cassavetes. A clash/negotiation between castes and sexes. Urbans and rurals. Selfish men and their hopes and cruelties and spectacular lack of wisdom. Women who see through them. The great Soumitra Chatterjee: lost but searching. The great Sharmila Tagore: mysterious, cerebral, mesmerizing. From the master, another masterpiece.”

Sharmila Tagore states, “It’s wonderful that Manik Da’s ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’ has been restored and will have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this year. This is a very special moment for me and I am so happy that I will be in Cannes to present the film at the premiere. I remember I was shooting for ‘Aradhana’ when Manikda approached me to shoot for this film for a month at a stretch. It was incredibly hot during the shoot and we could only shoot in the mornings and late afternoons. I have wonderful memories of the time spent with my co-actors and Manikda’s precision, especially in the way he shot the memory game sequence, was incredible. I can’t wait to watch the restored film. Aranyer Din Ratri is such a contemporary film that I know it will resonate with new audiences across the world even today. I would like to thank the Film Heritage Foundation for their amazing contribution in restoring this film.”

This cinematic Bengali gem offers a nuanced and introspective portrayal of post-colonial urban India. Through the lens of four young men seeking a temporary escape in the forests of Jharkhand, the film subtly unravels the complexities of class consciousness, gender relations, and the enduring weight of tradition in a rapidly changing society. Far from serving as mere scenery, the verdant landscape becomes a potent catalyst, exposing the protagonists’ inherent prejudices and simultaneously illuminating their potential for self-awareness and personal evolution. The film boasts a constellation of talent, including Sharmila Tagore, Kaberi Bose, Simi Garewal, Soumitra Chatterjee, Shubhendu Chatterjee, Rabi Ghosh, Samit Bhanja, Pahari Sanyal, Premashish Sen, Samar Nag, Khairatilal Lahori, Master Dibyendu Chatterjee and Aparna Sen. Hailed by David Robinson of the Financial Times as “Ray’s work at its best,” ‘Aranyer Din Ratri’ transcends its narrative framework to offer a profound meditation on the challenges faced by a generation caught between inherited privilege and the burgeoning promise of a new India.

Gehenu Lamai (Girls)

Sumitra Peries’ debut film, ‘Gehenu Lamai’, has been meticulously restored by Film Heritage Foundation under the aegis of FISCH (France- India – Sri Lanka Cine Heritage – Saving Film Across Borders). This pioneering international collaboration brings together the Film Heritage Foundation, the Embassy of France and the French Institute in India, and the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, all dedicated to preserving cinematic heritage.

The premiere of ‘Gehenu Lamai’ will be graced by the presence of its lead stars, Wasanthi Chathurani, Ajith Jinadasa and Shyama Ananda alongside a distinguished delegation including Director of Film Heritage Foundation Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Chairperson of the Lester James Peries and Sumitra Peries Foundation Gayathri Mustachi and actor, director and Head of the Gamini Fonseka Foundation Dammith Fonseka.

Wasanthi Chathurani states, “I am overwhelmed that ‘Gehenu Lamai’ has been restored by Film Heritage Foundation and will be premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, 47 years after it was released. I was just 16 and studying in a convent school when Sumitra Peries selected me for the role of Kusum. Initially, I was very nervous and almost gave up, but she was so patient and she taught me the nuances of acting and how to face the camera. The character of Kusum will stay etched in my mind forever. The film was a life-changing experience for me. I cannot think of a better tribute to pay to Sumitra Peries, one of the greatest filmmakers from Sri Lanka. I only wish she could have been in Cannes to see her film come back to life on such an amazing platform. Film Heritage Foundation should be commended for their commitment over the years in building a movement for film preservation in Sri Lanka and for putting Sri Lanka’s film heritage on the world map.”

Ajith Jinadasa states, “During the 1970s, it was rare to see women directing films, and Mrs. Sumitra Peries stood out as a visionary. I often reflect on how pivotal ‘Gehenu Lamai’ was in my life. If Mrs. Sumitra Peries had not chosen me for the role of Nimal, I might have faded away as a one-hit-wonder child actor. That film gave me a second life in cinema, and for that, I am forever grateful. The relationship between Nimal, the character I played, and Kusum, portrayed so beautifully by Wasanthi Chathurani, was innocent, pure, and without conflict from others—yet, it could not survive the rigid social norms of the time. The film left many heartbroken. Even today, 47 years later, fans still ask me, often emotionally, why I abandoned Kusum. Their anger and passion speak volumes about how deeply the story touched people. ‘Gehenu Lamai’ resonates across generations and borders, perhaps because no other love story of that era so truthfully portrayed the silent battles fought within society and within oneself. It is an immense honour to witness the restoration of ‘Gehenu Lamai’ and to be part of its celebration at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. My heartfelt thanks goes to Film Heritage Foundation for their dedication in preserving this important piece of Sri Lankan cinematic history and to the French Government for supporting the restoration. This film deserves to live on—not just for nostalgia, but for future generations to understand the soul of our storytelling.”

‘Gehenu Lamai’, honored as the Outstanding Film of the Year at the 1978 London Film Festival, stands as a poignant cinematic study of youthful longing and the restrictive forces of societal convention in rural Sri Lanka. Sumitra Peries, revered as the Poetess of Sri Lankan Cinema and a pre-eminent figure in the global film landscape, orchestrates a masterful exploration of the delicate nuances of adolescent love. Set against the backdrop of entrenched class divisions and a society in transition, the film delicately unfurls the tragic narrative of two sisters whose aspirations are ultimately stifled by the insurmountable barriers of their social milieu. The film is further enriched by its evocative black and white cinematography and features unforgettable performances from a talented ensemble cast, including Wasanthi Chathurani, Ajith Jinadasa, Jenitha Samaraweera, Shyama Ananda, Trilicia Gunawardena, Chitra Wakishta, Senaka Perera, Nimal Dayaratne, Dayamanthi Pattiarachchi, and Joe Abeywickrema.