Josim Ahmed on “Debris of Desire”
With talented storytellers like Josim Ahmed, the Bangladeshi Film industry is walking towards a reformation in the near future. His narrative fiction "Daag" was the first Bangladeshi short film to be selected at the 'Short Film Corner' of the Cannes Film Festival, distributed globally and earning praises both home and abroad.
His feature film, "Debris of Desire" started its international journey at Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) and Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF), and recently won the Jury Award for Feature Film at Asiatica Film Festival in Italy.
The film, directed by Indranil Roychowdhury, is a Bangladesh-India joint venture produced by Josim Ahmed. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, the filmmaker shares his projects, upcoming plans and more.
Now that "Debris of Desire" has earned accolades in many international film festivals, when do you wish to release it theatrically?
There are international film festivals that happen every year, but the coronavirus pandemic has halted them all. As "Debris of Desire" has already been screened and received positive reviews at SIFF and MIFF, we want our audience to experience this production in the nearest.
We have been in talks with China and Korea for the international release dates, but I wish to release locally first. As this is a Bangladesh-India joint venture, we hope to release it theatrically in both nations by April 2021. Also, we are competing in the main section of the Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) which will begin in mid-January 2021. Movie lovers are welcome to watch the film screening at the festival as well.
You have successfully accomplished yourself, both as a director and a producer. Which role do you enjoy playing more?
I started my career with direction, and have slowly grown into a producer with "Debris of Desire". Regardless of what role I play, I like to identify myself as a filmmaker who enjoys each and every aspect of this art form. Both roles offer different responsibilities. The work of the director ends with the production process, whereas the producer has to take care of the rest of the responsibilities, until the end of distribution. Both the roles are closely related and demand professionalism, and I enjoy them simultaneously.
Tell us a bit about your experience of working with Aupee Karim and Ritwick Chakraborty for this production.
The whole world is aware of Ritwick Chakraborty's acting skills. However, I must say that I have been mesmerised by Aupee Karim's performance. Her serenity and depiction of simplicity have forced me to say, we had failed to explore the excellence of Aupee Karim. With this production, we were able to rediscover the diva and showcase the talent Bangladeshi artistes possess, internationally.
What are your upcoming projects?
We were ready to start shooting for multiple local and international ventures. However, he had to reschedule our plans as parts of our shootings were located outside the country. We will resume these projects as soon as we are able to find out ways to adjust to the 'new normal'.
Would you like to leave a message for the reader?
I would like to highlight an ongoing issue in our country, related to the freedom of speech and filmmaking.
As per article 39 of our constitution, the freedom of thought and conscience is guaranteed. However, the freedom of speech, expression and freedom of press is conditional. Over the years, governments have taken advantage of this and formed laws to keep deviants in check, meaning that any narrative that goes against them in any way are unjustly punished. Additionally, the Pakistani censor law still remains, which always being used against films.
In such circumstances, the only option left for us is to make movies for the international audiences, and deprive our locals of this artistic form of entertainment. If things do not change soon, the legacy of Bangladeshi cinema will only remain in the past, with nothing to rejoice about in the future.