The Man behind the Movie

We Bangladeshis may openly ask for criticism, but the truth of the matter is that we can't really handle it when people judge us. And this issue exists in all sectors; not just arts. This becomes even more difficult if the person you have to criticize is someone close to you.  Mostofa Sarwar Farooki is a longtime friend of mine. How so? Well, we practically grew up together. And I don't have mind admitting that he has succeeded where I have failed; in making films. And Sarwar didn't just stop making one; he kept on making one film after another, building on his experience. He is on his fifth film now, and we have seen his progression with each and every one of his works.

The same way he has his rights with his films, the audience has the right to like or dislike his work. And some people have disliked his films; because he was written off by many as well. But he has one ally that he can rely on; the youth of Bangladesh, who see him as a role model to some extent. I think this is his main strength: a remarkable youth following. I think Sarwar should utilize this, not that he isn't already! Sarwar's productions are not bound by the boundaries of our country. His talent has allowed him to soar internationally and gain recognition there, which has only been achieved by a handful of Bangladeshis. He has his own unique way of telling a story, which he doesn't compromise with and I hope he keeps this trend up. Filmmaking isn't just an art; a good filmmaker also needs to be able to finely manage the nitty-gritty issues as well. This is something that Sarwar can do better than a lot of the directors I have come across. Because of these wonderful talents, he has been able to progress from his first film in a country where many directors lose steam after one or two projects and then drop out of existence altogether. He dreams of making more films; something his contemporaries haven't dared to try yet. For those who dream on making films like Sarwar need to be mentally prepared to deal with all the challenges that he or she will face, the way Farooki has faced and overcame challenges. This is unfortunately the reality in the Bangladesh filmmaking landscape.  There is very little or no support infrastructure or institution and you really have to be a one-man army in order to be someone like Sarwar. Now, seeing people flock to the theaters to see Pipra Bidda makes me believe that all the work and effort that Sarwar has put into it has been successful. I believe that whoever will make films in the future will be able to get a lot of inspiration from this film. And I hope that whoever comes to the making of cinema here will do so by telling their story their own way. A filmmaker must have his own eye, his own voice and this must come out in his productions. This confidence is what separates the greats; a unique brand, a signature in the very presentation of the story that unfolds on screen. I hope many follow their own way, succeed in their own ways, and, in the process, keep the trend of bringing the Bangladeshi people back to cinema halls alive.