Panaji, 17th January 2021: “We are happy that Bangladesh is the country of focus this year in IFFI and we would like to thank the organizers immensely for that”, said veteran film director and author from Bangladesh, Shri. Tanvir Mokammel. He was attending a media conference after the screening of his film “Rupsa Nodir Banke ‘, (Quiet Flows the River Rupsa), which is a fictional biopic based on the life of a left wing leader.
Thanking the Government of India and
International Film Festival of India for the invitation to participate in IFFI,
Shri Tanvir pointed out that, “It’s a befitting year, as this year marks the
50th anniversary of liberation of Bangladesh as well as the diplomatic
relations between India and Bangladesh.” Apart from `Rupsa Nodir Banke, another
film directed by Shri. Tanvir ‘Jibondhuli is also being screened as part of Country
of Focus at the 51st edition of IFFI.
The Country of Focus is a special segment that recognizes the cinematic excellence and contributions of the country. As a part of the opening ceremony of the section, `Rupsa Nodir Banke ‘ “Quiet Flows the Rive Rupsa “was screened today at Inox here in Panaji Goa.
Elaborating more about the film, Shri
Tanvir added that ‘Rupsa Nodir Banke’ is the story of a left wing leader, who
had all the dedication and quality, but the time was against him. He was
running against the tide. He is like a Greek tragic character whose falls out
which was inevitable, for no fault of his own.” The protagonist of the
film had participated in the swadeshi movement against the British; he also
served poor people during the famine in 1943 and tried to resist riots in the
1947. After going through these harrowing experiences, he was murdered by
the Islamic fundamentalists in 1971.
Elaborating the challenges faced during
the making of this historic film, the director threw light on the research
done, not only through books but physical research as well regarding the
events, props and dresses etc . “This is the problem being faced by all
film makers who make such films” and Shri Tanvir added that “they avoided
making sets as he is against artificiality.”
Sharing his thoughts on iconic actor
Soumitra Chatterjee who departed from the world last year, Shri Tanvir
reminisced that Soumitrya Chatterjee was an artist up to his bone and Bengali
cinema has lost a real icon.
This year IFFI is paying tribute to
legendary film maker Satyajit Ray and will showcase his selected films,
Charulatha, Ghare Baire, Pather Panchali, Shataranj Ke Khilari and Sonar Kella.
While elaborating the great love for
Ray’s films, Shri Tanvir Mokammel gladly pointed out that he can tell volumes
about Satyajit Ray as all have grown up watching Ray’s films. “He was a man of
renaissance, a talented film maker and an articulate speaker who was very clear
on his thoughts”. Ray used to paint well. “He can be called the Da Vinci of
Bengal,” he added.
“People like Ray comes once in an age and we don’t get another Satyajit Ray. If one follows his method of working, they will never make any mistake as each shot would be well designed. But, unfortunately these days it’s not a fashion to follow Ray’s kind of film making”, Shri Tanvir said adding that he is sad about it.
Editor of the film, Shri. Mahadeb Shi
who also attended the media conference shared his experience of working with
Tanvir Mokammel for years. “This film is very much relevant for the
festival as the theme is very common. I have been working with Tanvir for the
last 20 years. We believe in similar kind of ideology and values. Tanvir makes
film about the common people, about humility and humanity”, the editor said.
Festival Director Shri Chaitanya Prasad
was also present. “IFFI is extremely honoured and privileged to have Country
Focus segment from Bangladesh. This proves very auspicious for us because of 50
years of India Bangladesh diplomatic relations, Shri Chaitanya Prasad said
adding that it is an effort to build a bridge of excellence through cinema post
pandemic.
Film’s Art Director, Uttam Guha and
Costume Designer and Casting Director, Chittralekha Guha were also present.
Backgrounder:
Rupsa Nodir Banke’ is a film about a
left wing leader, who like a Greek tragic character, fought against his destiny
all along his life. While portraying the man’s struggles the film deals with
the anti-British Swadeshi movement, the 1947 Partition of India, Tebhaga
movement of the Bengal peasants, creation of Pakistan, killing of the political
prisoners inside jail in Rajshahi and finally the liberation war of Bangladesh
against Pakistan in 1971.
Shri Tanvir Mokammel is a well-known film maker from Bangladesh who has won many national and international awards for his films. Till date, he has made seven feature film and 14 documentaries.
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About IFFI:
The
International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is one of the
most significant film festivals in Asia. Held annually, currently in the state
of Goa, the festival aims at providing a common platform for the cinemas of the
world to project the excellence of the film art; contributing to the
understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in the
context of their social and cultural ethos; and promoting friendship and
cooperation among people of the world. The festival is conducted jointly by the
Directorate of Film Festivals (under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting)
and the state Government of Goa.
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