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I Shadhinota: Independence Day Film Festival I

SHADHINOTA 2008: Independence Day Film Festival

	Celebrating the 38th Independence Day of Bangladesh, BEGINNING in association with Star Cineplex, organized - Shadhinota: Independence Day Film Festival for the first time on March 26, 2009. Yasmine Kabir's award winning documentary “SWADHINOTA” (A CERTAIN LIBERATION), Tareque & Catherine Masud's short-thriller “NAROSHUNDOR” (THE BARBERSHOP) are few of the films that were screened on the day. Along with the films of eminent filmmakers, a number of fresh attempts like “SHOBDER JUDDHOJATRA” (THE SOUNDS OF WAR) based on Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra by Wahidur Rahman Czhoton, or workshop production from Muktijuddho Jadughar titled “FROZEN TEARS” on Mirpur Killing Ground were also shown. A rare compilation by Manjar-e-Hassin Murad titled “MUKTI BAHINI SPEAKS” (MUKTIJODDHAR KONTHOSWAR), based on real-life footage of 1971, collected from Indian Film Division were screened along with the dramatic “SPARTAKAS `71” by the popular filmmaker Mostafa Sarwar Farooki.

*Complete Film List: Shadhinota* 2008**

	“SWADHINOTA” (A CERTAIN LIBERATION) by Yasmine Kabir, Duration 37 min Gurudasi Mondol gave herself up to madness in 1971, during the Liberation War of Bangladesh, as she watched her entire family being killed by the collaborators of the occupying forces. 30 years later, Gurudasi continues to roam the streets of Kopilmoni, a small-town in rural Bangladesh, in quest of what she has lost; snatching at will from strangers and breaking into spaces normally reserved for men. In her madness, Gurudasi has found a strategy for survival. Through her indomitable presence, she has kept alive the spirit of the Liberation War.

	"NAROSHUNDOR" or "THE BARBERSHOP" by Tareque & Catherine Masud, Duration 15 min 1971. Pakistan Army soldiers led by a local collaborator raid the home of a freedom fighter. The young man they seek flees through the narrow alleyways of Old Dhaka. He stumbles upon a barbershop, and decides to get a shave to disguise himself. Meanwhile, his mother takes his wounded father, injured during the Army raid, to a nearby pharmacy. The Hindu doctor hesitantly takes them in; he is also a target. At the barbershop, the young man soon realizes he has put himself in more danger: the barbers are Urdu-speaking Biharis, known to be supporting the Army. The flash of the sharpened razor, the barbers’ thinly disguised threatening banter, the knowing looks of the manager, all put the young man in an increasingly agitated state…

	"SPARTACUS ’71" by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Duration 75 Min Set against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 71, Spartacus ’71 tells the tale of a family’s struggles for survival. Shahid Huda Rumi plays Abdul Karim, who makes agonizing decisions to protect his wife and twin sons. In parallel to the Roman slave Spartacus, this family takes a stand against the might of controlling forces. In order to survive, the family keeps its pro-independence sentiments in check - much to the frustration of the younger generation. The sons’ youthful enthusiasm clashes with the father’s pragmatic approach. The elder son joins the freedom fighters. When the younger son is abducted Abdul Karim is forced to prioritize loyalty to one son over the other. The theme of betrayal is explored further when the return of the kidnapped son is guaranteed only by Abdul Karim’s daughter-in-law taking his place. Sometimes harrowing, the film skillfully takes on profound themes played out amidst one family’s tragic experiences.

	"FROZEN TEARS" by Polash Rasul, Tanvir Aziz Mreedul, Meherun Nesa Faruque, Lucky Osman, Faiz Alam & Ariful Alam, Duration 16 Min After a long nine months war, we achieved our independence. During this period, one of the most heinous & barbaric killing in the history of mankind took place, conducted by the Pakistan Army and their local collaborators like Rajakars, Al-Badar, Al-Shams & Peace Force. The whole Bangladesh was an execution ground, of which we are yet to learn! Till this day new mass graves are being explored, like the one discovered in Mirpur by Muktijuddho Jadughor in 1992. FROZEN TEARS roams around this butcher-land!

	"SHOBDER JUDDHOJATRA" (THE SOUNDS OF WAR) by Wahidur Rahman Czhoton, Duration 68 Min Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra was the heart of pro-liberation public communications during the Liberation War in 71. The radio station was used as a mouthpiece by the Bangladesh Government in Exile, a Medium Wave lifeline carrying news of Mukti Bahini operations, the latest political developments, and strong cultural content to sooth, inspire, and cheer on a besieged population as well as freedom fighters. This iconic institution was the inspiration behind many well-known patriotic songs, skits, and drama. To the writers, artists and technicians who kept it running, it gave an opportunity to fight back against Pakistani aggression using their own skills. The documentary looks at the origins and impact of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, through the eyes of those who created, assisted, produced and powered the station.