Bangladeshi Cinema Makes Powerful Kolkata Debut Despite Political Headwinds
In a significant cultural moment for Indo-Bangladeshi relations, Leesa Gazi's Oscar-entry film 'Barir Naam Shahana' (A House Named Shahana) received its Kolkata screening this past Sunday. The event was organized by women's rights organization Swayam in collaboration with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), creating a platform for cross-border storytelling that transcended political differences.
A Landmark Screening Amid Political Sensitivities
This screening marked a particularly notable achievement as it represented the first Bangladeshi feature film to be shown in Kolkata since former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a death sentence in absentia. The political context made this cultural exchange even more meaningful, demonstrating the power of art to bridge diplomatic divides.
Adding to the significance, this year's Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) had notably excluded Bangladeshi feature films from its program, making this independent screening at SRFTI particularly important for maintaining cultural ties between the neighboring nations.
Powerful Narratives of Women's Resilience
The featured film, 'Barir Naam Shahana', tells the compelling story of a Bangladeshi woman who experiences profound cultural dislocation after an arranged marriage takes her to London. The narrative follows her courageous decision to seek divorce and forge her own path despite societal pressures and stigma.
Director Leesa Gazi expressed her honor at the SRFTI screening, telling TOI: "When countries share stories, we share pieces of ourselves: our struggles, hopes, and humanity. Such exchanges deepen understanding and harmony in the most meaningful way: through shared human experience."
The festival also showcased Baishaki Somadder's short fiction film 'Laila', which explores the dreams and aspirations of a homemaker within a conservative family structure. Somadder shared her emotional connection to the venue, noting her sister's studies at SRFTI and her own educational background at Visva-Bharati.
Cultural Exchange Triumphs Over Political Barriers
The collaboration featured significant technical contributions from Indian talent, with SRFTI professor Sukanta Majumdar serving as the film's sound designer. Majumdar emphasized the importance of continued cultural dialogue, stating: "I'm happy with this screening. Cultural exchange should never stop irrespective of whatever is happening at the political frontier."
Amrita Dasgupta, director of Swayam, clarified the organization's focus: "We are not particularly promoting any country but focusing on the cultural similarity of experiences of women from the sub-continent." The event was timed to coincide with South Asia Women's Day on November 30, as designated by activist Kamla Bhashin.
SRFTI Vice Chancellor Samiran Datta acknowledged the alignment between the Bangladeshi films and Swayam's thematic focus, noting the powerful treatment of women's issues in contemporary Bangladeshi cinema.
The successful screening demonstrates how artistic collaboration can foster understanding between nations even during periods of political tension, proving that shared stories and common human experiences remain powerful tools for building bridges across borders.
