Panaji, Nov 20, : , The Satyajitray Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to two legends of contemporary cinema — Martin Scorsese (Hollywood director) and Istvan Szabo (Hungarian auteur) — during the opening ceremony of the 52nd International Film Festival of India. They were unable to be present in person, but both left thoughtful messages.
Szabo wrote a message in which he paid tribute to SatyajitRay, the master who is celebrating his centenary this year.Szabo recalled his encounter with Ray more than thirty years ago at the Madras.
Szabo recalled that Ray invited his wife and I to dinner.We had an amazing discussion about his films, filmmaking and our profession.
This was an intense discussion I’ll never forget.
Szabo expressed his appreciation for the award and said that he was deeply touched to realize that Indians knew about his films, some even loved them.
Szabo, an extraordinary artist, achieved worldwide success in 1981 with the film “Mephisto”.This film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
It was also the first Hungarian movie to do so.He broke down language barriers and moved hearts around the globe with his movies.
Scorsese also paid tribute to Ray in his message.Scorsese said that Ray was “one of my favorite filmmakers” and added: “Everytime I watch his films it’s an entirely new experience.
He said, “I am grateful.” Satyajit Ray, the Indian film industry and I am grateful.Sorry I can’t be there, and I truly thank you for the honor.In 1996, I was in Goa.”I would love to return.”
Satyajit Ray was the only recipient of the IFFI Lifetime Achievement Award.
mani/srb/kr #Szabo #Scorsese #personal #touch #Satyajit
.
