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In the year 1960, the Italian filmmakers Gianni Vignali and Giuseppe Prata produced a documentary film entitled Verso Benares (Towards Benares) that was screened at the Venice Film Festival. The film is a captivating exploration of the spiritual and cultural richness of India, focusing on the sacred city of Benares, also known as Varanasi. In this essay, I will discuss the film in the context of Indian mysticism and Indian cinema, particularly festival films on Indian mysticism.
Verso Benares is a visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary that offers a unique perspective on India’s spiritual heritage. The filmmakers traveled extensively throughout the country, capturing the essence of its diverse cultures, landscapes, and traditions. The film is divided into three parts: the first part introduces the viewer to the bustling city of Calcutta, the second part focuses on the rural life and customs of the Indian countryside, and the third part is dedicated to the sacred city of Benares.
The film begins with a series of images of Calcutta, showcasing the city’s vibrant street life, crowded markets, and bustling traffic. The filmmakers capture the city’s energy and dynamism, as well as its stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, modernity and tradition. The city’s spiritual side is also explored, with scenes of pilgrims and sadhus (holy men) at the Kali Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in the city.
The second part of the film takes the viewer on a journey through the Indian countryside, where the filmmakers document the daily life and customs of rural India. The scenes are characterized by a sense of timelessness, as the villagers go about their daily routines, unchanged by the passage of time. The filmmakers also capture the spiritual practices of the villagers, such as the worship of the sacred cow and the performance of religious rituals.
The third and final part of the film is dedicated to the sacred city of Benares, which is considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism. The filmmakers capture the city’s unique atmosphere, with its narrow streets, crowded ghats (steps leading to the river), and bustling markets. The film also features scenes of religious rituals, such as the cremation of the dead on the banks of the Ganges River, which is considered a sacred act in Hinduism.
One of the most striking aspects of Verso Benares is its use of music and sound. The film features a haunting score by the Italian composer Ennio Morricone, which perfectly captures the film’s spiritual and mystical themes. The filmmakers also make extensive use of traditional Indian music, such as the sitar and tabla, which add to the film’s sense of authenticity.
Verso Benares is a remarkable film that offers a unique and insightful
website: www.benaresfilm.com