MELBOURNE, 18 January, 2025: Hari Sivanesan and the South Asian Music Ensemble are presenting four Kathas with an immersive contemporary and classical Indian score. This rare screening includes films directed by India’s most prolific directors of the silent cinema era – Baburao Painter and Dadasaheb Phalke. These films are partially ‘lost’ films, as only parts of them remain. This screening features the remaining films restored and digitised by the National Film Archive of India.
The program is presented by the Federation Square, Melbourne on Tuesday 25 February, 2025 from 8 pm. The event will take place at the Main Square. The place is across the road from the Flinders Street Station, Melbourne.
Film program
Sati Savitri (1927), directed by Baburao Painter
Based on the story from the Mahabharata, Sati Savitri recounts the tale of Savitri, a devoted wife determined to defy fate to save her husband, Satyavan, from death. Through her dedication and unwavering faith, Savitri confronts Yama, the god of death, and cleverly negotiates for Satyavan’s life.
Raja Harishchandra (1913), directed by Dadasaheb Phalke
Raja Harishchandra tells the story of King Harishchandra, who when faced with a series of trials that strip him of his kingdom, family, and comfort, Harishchandra refuses to compromise on his principles, even at great personal cost.
Shree Krishna Janma (1918), directed by Dadasaheb Phalke
This film narrates the miraculous birth and early life of Krishna, destined to overthrow the tyrant King Kansa.
Lanka Dahan (1918), directed by Dadasaheb Phalke
Lanka Dahan is a pivotal episode from the Ramayana, focusing on Hanuman’s journey to Lanka to locate Sita, held captive by the demon king Ravana.
About Hari Sivanesan
Internationally acclaimed composer, veena virtuoso, multi-instrumentalist, and curator Hari Sivanesan belongs to a diverse new generation of Indian classical-contemporary artists. UK-born, Hari’s unique style is the experimental answer to his Sri Lankan-Tamil Heritage and training in South Indian and Western classical music. Hari’s global career began at 13, when he was chosen by sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar to play on his Chants of India record, produced by the late George Harrison.
Hari has toured extensively across the UK, US, and Europe and pioneered partnerships with BBC Radio, TV and Proms, WOMAD UK, Royal Opera House, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Multicultural Arts Victoria and Bunjil Place. He brings together a stack of exciting South Asian talents create the unique soundscape for films Sati Savitri, Raja Harishcandra, Shree Krishna Janma and Lanka Dahan.
Photo courtesy- Federation Square.
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