Debaditya Bandopadhyay's 'Ped Chalta Hai' Premieres at Cannes, Celebrating Nature and Humanity
A Grounded Cinematic Journey
Director Debaditya Bandopadhyay's feature film Ped Chalta Hai (When The Tree Moves) is set to make its World Premiere today, May 14, at the Marché du Film in Cannes. This project, produced by Outline Expression in collaboration with Masoom Art Group, draws inspiration from the rich soil and intense climate of Jharkhand. Bandopadhyay emphasizes the growing disconnect between modern life and nature, despite our reliance on it. In a recent interview, he expressed that forests represent more than just landscapes; they embody memory, identity, and survival. The film's narrative is shaped by discussions with locals living near forests and rivers in Jharkhand, focusing on themes of displacement and emotional connection while avoiding a preachy tone.
Filmed in Palamu, Jharkhand, the local environment serves as the emotional core of Ped Chalta Hai. Bandopadhyay notes that the natural elements, including the forests and sounds of the land, significantly influenced the film's visual style and emotional depth. He aimed for authenticity over cinematic glamour, allowing the changing light and stillness of the locations to dictate the mood of various scenes. He hopes that audiences will experience the rawness and emotional truth of Jharkhand through the film.
Debaditya expressed that premiering at Cannes is a deeply emotional and humbling experience for him. He remarked, “Every filmmaker aspires to share authentic stories with global audiences, and having Ped Chalta Hai showcased at the Marché du Film feels surreal.” He views this as a validation of independent storytelling that resonates with real people and landscapes.
He added that this opportunity opens doors for more Indian narratives emerging from smaller regions and ecological contexts. For the entire team, this screening is not merely a festival event; it represents a significant achievement for Jharkhand and Indian independent cinema.
The 79th Cannes Film Festival showcases a rich tapestry of environmental awareness, regional storytelling, and independent cinema, reaffirming the evolution of Indian cinema while remaining culturally and emotionally connected. Alongside Ped Chalta Hai, other films featured at Cannes include the Punjabi film Chardikala, Spirit Of The Wildflower by Shrimoyee Chakraborty, and the restored classic Amma Ariyan by John Abraham, among others. The festival runs from May 12 to May 23 on the French Riviera.