Journey of an indomitable spirit

The Bangladesh premiere of the film “Putul Kotha” (“Dream Weavers”), based on a true story, premieres at 5pm today at 3D Theatre Hall, Krishibid Institute Bangladesh, Dhaka. Produced and jointly directed by Dr. Emdad Haque, the 75-minute film was the winner of the Best Environmental Film at the 2015 Vancouver International Film Festival. Bangladeshi-born Canadian filmmaker Professor Emdad Haque teaches at the University of Manitoba, Canada from where he obtained his PhD. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star (TDS), Emdad Haque shared about the film and his initial journey as a theatre activist.

TDS: What drove you to make “Putul Kotha”?

Emdad: It was in my heart. I always feel that I am detached from my root in my expatriate life in Canada. The nature, people and culture of my motherland would always haunt me. This film gives me the connection to get back to my homeland.

TDS: What is the film about?  

Emdad: “Putul Kotha” is a film narrated through the eyes of Ryan Klatt, who comes across an article about women empowerment in Bangladesh while searching for a meaningful subject. Klatt's story revolves around Putul, a struggling woman who lives in the Hakaluki Haor area of Bangladesh. She goes through hardship and obstacles, but never gives up and eventually succeeds in life. The film was shot on locations in Bangladesh and Canada. The film goes a deeper look at the interconnectedness of social conflicts, culture, environment and women's empowerment.

TDS: Who are the cast?

Emdad: Jayanta Chattopadhyay, Naznin Chumki, Ahsan Habib Nasim and others acted in the film. Cinematographer Ryan Klatt also acted in it.

TDS: What was your intent to make it?

Emdad: The intent of making this film is to tell the story of a woman and her struggle against the power holders in society and courage to fight against them. We intended to present her as a role model of why the poor should not give up on hoping and dreaming for betterment in their lives.

TDS: Tell us a little bit about your cultural background.

Emdad: I started my journey as a theatre activist in Jahangirnagar University (JU) by founding a theatre group “Adoitwa” with my friend, the legendary Humayun Faridee, in the '70s.  Selim Al Deen put together one play while Faridee and I wrote another titled “Attostho Agun O Hironmoyider Brittanto” marking the drama competition week in JU in 1976. Through the competition, we became close with Nasiruddin Yousuff of Dhaka Theatre. We produced a play called “Sangbad Cartoon”, Dhaka Theatre's first production, written by Selim Al Deen. It premiered at JU. I played the role of Jingira Wala in it.