Sikkim (1971) – A Film by Satyajit Ray

Here is a wonderful film by one of my favorite film-makers, Satyajit Ray, about the land, people and culture of Sikkim, made in 1971 while Sikkim was still a sovereign state.

Ray not only wrote and directed the film with his usual sensitivity, but also composed the music. He was truly a modern day renaissance figure.

The film was commissioned by the Choygal (King) of Sikkim, and apparently caused some controversy and was banned in India after Sikkim became the last of the princely states to join India in 1975 (there were 100s at the time India gained independence).

Although things have changed greatly over the past 50 years, Sikkim remains one of the most remote countries in the world, and still retains it’s cultural traditions.

Still the film gives us a glimpse into the country at a time when access to the country was largely impossible, and it therefore stands as a record of times gone by.