(Introduction)

Guru Dutt, a fine director and a legend, rushed through the golden era of Indian cinema during the 1950s as director, actor, and producer. While reigning as a star, he passed away at the young age of 39 in 1964.

The Japan Foundation Asia Center is pleased to present "Guru Dutt Retrospective" as the first cinematic project to launch into the 21st century. Five works related to Dutt were screened at the "Joint Asian Film Festival" held at the end of last year, all receiving high acclaim, and this time a full-scale retrospective will be held, composed of ten works including most of Dutt's directorial films.

BAAZI ('51), his first film as director, and JAAL ('52), his second, are action films representative of his early works. BAAZ ('53) is a period piece set in the 16th century, depicting the revolution against the Portuguese. AAR PAAR ('54) and MR. & MRS. 55 ('55) are excellent, upbeat comedy of his middle period. PYAASA ('57), a film in which humor and pessimism intersect, starring the extraordinary actress Waheeda Rehman who can be called Dutt's goddess of fate, and KAAGAZ KE PHOOL ('59). After retiring from directing, he appears as the producer and star of CHAUDHVIN KA CHAND ('60) and SAHIB BIBI AUR GHULAM ('62). Along with the discussions by the scheduled guests, we hope you will enjoy the vast cinematic world that Guru Dutt left behind.

*The nine 35mm prints to be shown at this film festival (excluding the TV documentary "In Search of Guru Dutt") are new prints made from duplicate negative created from existing prints through the cooperation of the Indian Government and the Japan Foundation

• "*All films will be subtitled in Japanese only.
• *The lectures and discussion will be free of charge.
• *There has been some delay in the completion of the prints for "BAAZI" and "JAAL" due to local circumstances, and the program may be changed.
• *There may be changes in the scheduled guests due to unavoidable circumstances.