What did Dutch writer Marjin De Wit say about Satyajit Ray's films?

De Wit said he rewatched the entire Apu trilogy by Satyajit Ray and that Ray's films "touch his heart so much."

How did Marjin De Wit's film 'Memory Lane' explore the themes of dementia and changing Europe?

De Wit's film followed an elderly couple as they navigated a Europe that had become increasingly unfamiliar to them, reflecting the struggles of the elderly in a rapidly changing world.

What did Marjin De Wit say about the differences between Indian and European cinema?

De Wit found Indian films to be more "life-affirming" and less cynical compared to the more cerebral and analytical European films, which often grapple with the "senselessness of life."

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Dutch Writer Celebrates Iconic Indian Films at EU Film Fest

Dutch Writer Celebrates Iconic Indian Films at EU Film Fest

5 Nov

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Summary

Dutch writer Marjin De Wit admires Satyajit Ray, Guru Dutt, and 'Mughal-E-Azam'
De Wit's film 'Memory Lane' explores dementia and changing Europe
De Wit finds Indian cinema more 'life-affirming' than European films

Dutch Writer Celebrates Iconic Indian Films at EU Film Fest

Marjin De Wit, a Dutch writer and filmmaker, is currently in India to participate in the ongoing European Union Film Festival at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi. De Wit, who is the writer of the Dutch film 'Memory Lane', has expressed his deep admiration for the works of renowned Indian filmmakers Satyajit Ray and Guru Dutt, as well as the classic 'Mughal-E-Azam'.

De Wit spoke about how these iconic Indian films have shaped his understanding of Indian storytelling and culture. He said, "I rewatched the whole trilogy of Satyajit Ray, he touches my heart so much." He also praised 'Charulata', calling it "a very high-level movie." Additionally, De Wit revealed that he had a special course on Bollywood movies during his film school days in the Netherlands.

Discussing his own film 'Memory Lane', which premiered at the festival on October 31, 2025, De Wit explained that it explores the themes of dementia and the changing face of Europe through the eyes of an elderly couple. He said, "I think the 20th century was a century of crazy changes. My grandmother grew up without electricity, for example. Now that I look at the world, there is astonishment all over." De Wit wanted to depict the struggles of these elderly individuals as they navigate a world that has become increasingly unfamiliar to them.

Compared to the more cerebral and cynical nature of European films, De Wit finds Indian cinema to be "very life-affirming, the energies of life." He added, "Here (in Europe) we struggle with the senselessness of life, but that's rarely a topic in Indian movies I feel."

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