Karagar: The blurred line between fact and fiction
The long-awaited “Karagar Part-1” has finally been released on Hoichoi. The show, while not an instant homerun, can be likened to a slow game of poker. Layers upon layers of fiction, blended with facts, makes “Karagar” a witty commentary on the slippery nature of truth. As the audience starts to believe where the story is going, Syed Ahmed Shawki turns the table on his audience, bluffing them with a royal flush.
Analysing South Asian history through films
Critical reading of South Asian history has been majorly subjected to individual narratives. Lack of comparative studies have resulted in ignorance for neighbours and a forgotten history of self.
Be an artist with ‘Cartoon Cartoon’
Prominent cartoonist Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy, in association with A2i HD Media and Cartoon People, a community of Bangladeshi cartoonists and visual storytellers, has launched a show titled, “Cartoon Cartoon”. It airs on BTV, and is awaiting release on Duronto Television.
Filmmaking for a global audience
Throughout the last two decades in Bangladesh, there has been a shift in storytelling on screen. Most notably, directors made films that not only initiated conversations in the country, but also made strides on global platforms.
Breaking through concepts
“Those who come to Pathshala strive for more than just a comfortable living.
Nurul Alam Atique opens up about ‘Lal Moroger Jhuti’
Throughout the past two decades, director Nurul Alam Atique has created a unique style of storytelling, involving intimate human concepts. “Lal Moroger Jhuti” presents a narrative that explores the collective memory of the masses during 1971. Atique shares his thoughts on his second feature film with The Daily Star.
Documenting birth of a nation
Marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence, Samdani Art Foundation and Centre for Research and Information (CRI) inaugurated a solo exhibition titled, "Witnessing History in the Making: Photographs by Anne de Henning" at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy today.
I gained 6 kilos to portray Rustom: Shohel Mondol
Shohel Mondol is an actor who passionately showcases his talent on the stage and screen. In Hoichoi’s “Boli”, directed by Shankha Dasgupta, he plays the protagonist, Rustom. In a heart-to-heart conversation, Shohel spoke about his journey of becoming the character, his love for new challenges, and more.
March 17, 2021
Solo exhibition ‘Mon Pabaner Nao’ underway at Gallery Shilpangan
Gallery Shilpangan in Lalmatia is currently hosting artist Al Akhir Sarker’s first solo painting exhibition, titled “Mon Pabaner Nao - The Fairy Boat”. Whether it is life or stillness, fragments of memoirs, light and affection of time and moments, Al Akhir renders the elements that surround his environment in a simplistic form. On the occasion of their 29th founding anniversary, Gallery Shilpangan is hosting this exhibition.
March 16, 2021
Tanim Noor opens up about ‘Contract’
With two released web projects and one under way, writer-director Tanim Noor has been a recurring name on OTT platforms in recent times. His journey however, began more than a decade ago. In a chat with The Daily Star, he shared some of his earliest memories of being in the entertainment arena, and talked about his web series “Contract”, which releases on ZEE5 Global on March 18, 2021.
March 16, 2021
Sufia Kamal National Public Library and Sporsho Foundation inaugurate Braille Corner
To inspire and aid visually impaired readers, The Sufia Kamal National Public Library, in association with Sporsho Foundation, inaugurated their Braille Corner yesterday. State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid, MP, Md Abubakar Siddique, Director-General of the Department of Public Library and Nazia Jabeen, President of Sporsho Foundation, along with other officials were present at the event. The corner also honours the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation and National Children’s Day. It consists of 90 books, including biographies, children’s stories, poems, and many more in its collection. Many of the books focus on the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
February 20, 2021
Wishing Tree: Chobi Mela’s tribute to architect Bashirul Haq
Noted architect Bashirul Haq passed away in April 2020. He had designed DrikPath Bhobon, the venue for this year’s “Chobi Mela”. “Wishing Tree”, an exhibition featuring Haq’s seminal works, is being hosted at the festival, in honour of him.
February 18, 2021
Chobi Mela’s ‘Chapakhana Archive’ explores print revolution in Dhaka
In its array of collaborative initiatives, “Chobi Mela Shunno” introduced ‘Chapakhana Archive’, a research project. On the fourth floor of the DrikPath Bhobon, an excerpt of a nine-month project, exploring documents and local histories of print in Dhaka and its production technologies, is on display. The framework of the exhibition comes from Mara Züst’s research for her project, ‘Kolkata — City of Print’, in association with Pathshala.
February 17, 2021
Pappu Studio brings nostalgia to ‘Chobi Mela Shunno’
`cMarking Solidarity Day, students of the ninth batch of Pathshala honoured Ashrafi, also known as the Chobiwala of Bihari Camp Bazaar at “Chobi Mela Shunno''. A temporary studio was set up at the rooftop of DrikPath Bhobon, which not only allowed the audience to interact with the photographer, but also to get soaked in nostalgia. In a candid conversation, Ashrafi shared his story with The Daily Star.
February 16, 2021
Sabih Ahmed and Sohrab Hura discuss shared ecosystems and geographic realignments at Chobi Mela Shunno
The special edition of Chobi Mela features a series of podcasts that include themes ranging from collective narratives to echoes of the 80s, thinking contexts, conversations and many more sharing of ideas in and around defining and (re)defining the meaning and interpretation of images. The podcast series is curated by artiste Munem Wasif who handpicked speakers ranging from artists to curators, filmmakers, writers, musicians and others.
February 13, 2021
What to expect from this year’s Chobi Mela
Titled ‘Chobi Mela Shunno’, the festival can be interpreted as an amorphous infinite space, or a home that runs parallel with all others.
January 30, 2021
Musings with artist Ayesha Sultana
Ayesha Sultana, an artist based in Dhaka, is recognised across the globe. She sets herself apart through her practice that is uncommon in the South Asian context.
December 3, 2020
Experiencing Baseer in VR
Bengal Foundation launched their very first virtual tour of an ongoing exhibition titled ‘Baseer: An Eloquent Mind’ for the online audience. The online platform for the full-fledged gallery tour has been designed by Artcon, a specialised agency that covers all modes of services in the art field.
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