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.
November 21, 2020
An ode to Feluda
It is no secret that Feluda was Satyajit Ray’s answer to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Nonetheless, for at least three generations, Feluda has been a household name in most Bengali families. When Ray brought Detective P C Mitter from pages to the screen, his hand drawn illustrations hinted to just one name— Soumitra Chatterjee.
October 30, 2020
Pracheta Ahana Alam: An outspoken, unapologetic storyteller
From a young age, Pracheta Ahana Alam was inspired to dream bigger, think of new possibilities and fight harder against self-doubt. In an intimate conversation, she share the stories of her life.
October 12, 2020
How did the art world adapt to Covid-19?
The coronavirus outbreak has brought the activities of art galleries and event spaces to an abrupt halt.
October 9, 2020
‘Bolte Pari Na Bolte Chai’, a supportive space for a heart-to-heart
To this day, mental health remains one of the most neglected subjects in developing countries like Bangladesh. Despite the sheer number of people living with traumatic experiences and mental health issues,
September 21, 2020
Curtains rising, cautiously
As I was walking into Prachyanat’s practice space, with my mask and gloves on, some familiar voices called out my name. For the next few minutes, it felt like I was back to my old theatre-going self.
September 19, 2020
40 Years of Ghuddi: Rereading the film and its enduring influences
After the First World War, Major Arthur Hurst filmed shell-shocked patients who returned from the war in France. War Neurosis (1917) pioneered as the first medical film about the treatment of psychiatric battle casualties.
August 15, 2020
Zahid Gogon on his film ,‘Prem Puran’
Young filmmaker Zahid Gogon has a number of accolades to his credit, including the Tareque Masud Young Film Maker Award (2014).
July 25, 2020
“Performance art involves looking at life through a micro lens”
In ‘Let Me Get You a Nice Cup of Tea’, artist Yasmin Jahan Nupur sits across from spectators at an English-styled tea table, in her white jamdani shari.
July 18, 2020
Tayeba Begum Lipi on stitching through the pandemic
Perhaps it is not a coincidence that the name ‘Lipi’ translates to ‘inscription’ in English. Her razor-sharp commentary on the politics of gender and female identity and representation has given her work a unique character.
June 27, 2020
An insight into installation art
Installation, a relatively new genre of contemporary art, is practiced by postmodernist artists.
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