Wim Wenders: King of the Road Embarks on First India Tour

The renowned German filmmaker, Wim Wenders, is set to embark on his inaugural journey to India, courtesy of the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF). This initiative, referred to as “Wim Wenders – King of the Road – The India Tour,” is slated to be a retrospective event of the filmmaker’s illustrious career. The event is being meticulously organized in collaboration with the Wim Wenders Foundation and Goethe-Institut Mumbai, and will witness the exhibition of 18 selected works from Wenders’ extensive oeuvre. The retrospective tour will commence on February 5 and conclude on February 23, covering five major cities in India.

This unique program encapsulates five decades of Wenders’ cinematic journey, showcasing his evolution from his roots in New German Cinema to his latest projects. The showcase comprises a rich collection of restored prints of his feature films, documentaries, and short films. The tour will traverse through Mumbai, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata, and New Delhi. Wenders himself is scheduled to attend the screenings and engage in interactive Q&A sessions with both the audience and film students.

During his expansive global adventures, Wenders expressed his astonishment at how India had previously escaped his itinerary. He acknowledged India’s rich cultural tapestry and its deep-seated reverence for cinema, stating, “It seems astonishing that somehow, India fell off the map. Not just because it is a country with an abundance of landscapes and images to explore, but also because it is a country where cinema is like a religion.”

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The retrospective lineup features some of Wenders’ most acclaimed works, including the Palme d’Or-winning “Paris, Texas” (1984), the Oscar-nominated “Buena Vista Social Club” (1999), and “Wings of Desire” (1987) for which he was awarded Best Director at Cannes. However, Wenders’ Oscar-nominated “Perfect Days” (2023) will not be part of the retrospective. The most recent work to be screened is the 3D documentary “Anselm” (2023), which explores the life and work of artist Anselm Kiefer.

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the director of FHF, referred to the event as a ‘dream come true.’ He noted Wenders’ recent recognition with the 2024 International Federation of Film Archives Award.

The screenings, which are free of charge, are scheduled to take place at various venues. These include the Regal Cinema in Mumbai, the Nandan theater in Kolkata, and the Habitat Centre in New Delhi. In the past, FHF has hosted similar retrospectives featuring filmmakers like Giuseppe Tornatore and Christopher Nolan.

Bjorn Ketels, the director of the Goethe Institut Mumbai, emphasized Wenders’ crucial role in pioneering New German Cinema. He described this event as “the first time that such a substantial offering of his work” is being presented to an Indian audience.

Featured Films in the Retrospective:

The films selected for the retrospective showcase include: “The Goalie’s Anxiety at the Penalty Kick” (1971), “Alice in the Cities” (1973), “Kings of the Road” (1975), “The American Friend” (1977), “Lightning Over Water” (1980), “Reverse Angle” (1982), “Room 666” (1982), “The State of Things” (1982), “Paris, Texas” (1984), “Tokyo-Ga” (1985), “Wings of Desire” (1987), “Until the End of the World – Director’s Cut” (1994), “The End of Violence” (1997), “Buena Vista Social Club” (1999), “The Million Dollar Hotel” (2000), “Don’t Come Knocking” (2005), “Pina” (2011), and “Anselm” (2023).

FAQs

When is the Wim Wenders retrospective tour in India taking place?

The tour will commence on February 5 and conclude on February 23.

Which cities will the tour cover?

The tour will traverse through Mumbai, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata, and New Delhi.

Which works of Wim Wenders will be showcased during the tour?

The retrospective event will showcase 18 selected works from Wenders’ extensive oeuvre, including feature films, documentaries, and short films.

Who is organizing the Wim Wenders retrospective tour in India?

The event is being meticulously organized by the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), in collaboration with the Wim Wenders Foundation and Goethe-Institut Mumbai.

Credit: variety.com