Pather Panchali: The Greatest Debut in Film History?

No budget. No experience. No film school. Just vision.

In this episode, Tray Epps explores Pather Panchali, Satyajit Ray’s quiet epic that became a landmark of world cinema.

We unpack:

• Why Pather Panchali is essential for filmmakers
• The deeply human story of Apu and his family
• How natural lighting and real locations created visual poetry
• Mumblecore before mumblecore
• The sound of wind, footsteps, and Ravi Shankar’s sitar
• Why slow pacing might be the point
• The global impact and lasting legacy of Ray’s debut

This isn’t just a film. It’s a lesson in how to move people with less.

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