Bhaskar Chitrakar: Painting Kalighat Moderns

Bhaskar Chitrakar, one of the last hereditary Kalighat temple painters in Kolkata, creates colorful and sensuous artworks from his modest studio that reach global museums and art fairs. This documentary explores his unique style and inspirations, revealing how this tradition evolved from Hindu religious roots and colonial patronage into modern social commentary. As younger generations abandon painting for idol-making, what lies ahead? With wry humor, Chitrakar guides us through Kolkata’s changing social landscape, one painting at a time.

This film is paired with the feature part of the RAI Film & Basil Wright Film Competition: Broken Bones, by Alireza Memariani.

Double Bill