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TL;DR:
- Filmmaker Raihan Rafi announces plan to create a film based on the July mass uprising of 2024 during a discussion session at Rajshahi University
- Rafi emphasizes the importance of capturing the stories and events of the movement in cinema to ensure they are remembered and to raise awareness about societal issues
- The director discusses his last release, “Toofan,” revealing its clever portrayal of dark politics and vote rigging through metaphor
- Rafi highlights the role of youth in shaping the future of cinema and draws parallels between politics and the film industry, emphasizing the need for new talent to drive change
Bangladeshi filmmaker Raihan Rafi has announced his intention to create a film based on the July mass uprising of 2024. The director expressed his desire to bring the stories and events of the movement to the big screen during a discussion session titled “The Recent Trends and Future of Bangladeshi Cinema” at Rajshahi University on October 26, 2024.
According to The Daily Prothom Alo, Rafi stated, “There are so many stories that transpired in the July uprising. We need to make several films surrounding this movement.” He further emphasized his commitment to contributing to this endeavor, whether it involves the story of Mugdho or Sheikh Hasina’s escape. Rafi, known for his passion for narrating true stories, believes that the numerous events and tales from the 2024 mass uprising provide perfect material for a compelling film.
The discussion session, organized by the film magazine and organization “Magic Lantern,” featured Rafi as a guest at their annual event. During the session, the director shared insights into his journey in the film industry, the current state of cinema, and the future of filmmaking. He also engaged with the audience, answering various questions.
Rafi highlighted the power of cinema as an art form for protest and raising awareness about societal issues. He explained, “Cinema is an art form through which protests can be made, and societal issues can be highlighted. It allows a story to be captured in a particular place. Although we had a movement, over time, people may forget it. They won’t see it or know about it. However, when these scenes are depicted in a film, they will be remembered.”
The director also discussed his last release, “Toofan,” revealing that the film cleverly portrayed the titular character as a major terrorist seizing control of the country through vote rigging and murder. Rafi admitted that he presented the story in a way that many viewers might not have realized it was a metaphor for the actions of the previous government.
Addressing the youth, Rafi emphasized their role in shaping the future of cinema, stating, “The future of cinema lies with you (the audience). When new writers and filmmakers like you create films, the future will change. If you watch our films, talk about them, and write about them, only then will our cinema evolve. Otherwise, it won’t change.”
Rafi also drew parallels between politics and the film industry, noting that just as dirty politics infiltrated spaces when people stayed away from politics, the lack of new talent entering the film industry has hindered the production of quality films and the growth of theatres.
As Raihan Rafi embarks on this new project to bring the stories of the July mass uprising to life on the silver screen, audiences eagerly await a powerful and thought-provoking film that captures the essence of this significant moment in Bangladeshi history.
Source: The Daily Star
