Wim Wenders, one of the most profound voices in global cinema, is embarking on his first visit to India with the much-anticipated “Wim Wenders – King of the Road – The India Tour.” Spanning February 5 to March 1, 2025, the retrospective will travel through Mumbai, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata, and Delhi, offering an immersive exploration of his cinematic legacy. Featuring 18 of his most celebrated works, the tour includes landmark films such as Paris, Texas, Wings of Desire, and the recent Anselm, alongside other masterpieces that highlight his unique ability to blend poetic narratives with visual grandeur.
This visit comes with Wenders’ own reflections on a long-overdue journey to India, a country he has often admired from a distance for its deeply ingrained cinematic culture. He has expressed his excitement about finally exploring a land where films are revered as much as any art form and where visual storytelling resonates with millions. For him, this encounter is an opportunity to engage with a cinematic tradition that mirrors his own approach—one rooted in humanity, spirituality, and the search for meaning.
At the core of Wenders’ films lies a philosophical inquiry into the human experience, often woven into stories of physical and metaphorical journeys. His characters, much like the protagonists in Kings of the Road or Alice in the Cities, traverse vast landscapes, both external and internal, seeking connection and purpose. Silence plays a crucial role in his narratives, conveying what words cannot, and his use of imagery transforms simple settings into profound meditations on life.
India’s retrospective offers audiences an extraordinary opportunity to witness how Wenders explores themes of identity, alienation, and transcendence. His portrayal of angels observing humanity in Wings of Desire resonates as deeply as his evocation of a soul-searching drifter in Paris, Texas. In every frame, his camera observes life with an eye for the poetic and the eternal.
The schedule includes screenings in Mumbai from February 5–9, Thiruvananthapuram from February 10–11, Kolkata from February 16–19, New Delhi from February 20–22, and Pune from February 21–23. At each location, Wenders will interact with the audience, sharing insights into his philosophy and creative process. These discussions promise to enrich the experience, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a filmmaker who has consistently bridged the gap between visual art and storytelling.
This momentous visit underscores the enduring relevance of Wenders’ work, not just as cinematic art but as a cultural dialogue. His films continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike, reminding us that the most profound stories often lie in the quiet moments and the unspoken connections between people and the world they inhabit. The retrospective promises to be a milestone in fostering a deeper appreciation for cinema as a universal language.
