Young filmmakers shine at WOW festival 2020
Women of the World (WOW) is a global festival that celebrates women and girls by acknowledging the barriers they have to overcome. Organised by British Council, it is one of the biggest and most comprehensive festivals dedicated to presenting work by women. This year, the celebrations also included a special short film screening segment, in collaboration with Children's Film Society. Premiering from October 11 to October 17, four young female filmmakers showcased their work marking the International Day of the Girl. The participants were Afrida Mehzabin, Mubasshira Ibnat, Syeda Abrar Toaha Draha and Suprio Labonno.
Afrida is a grade XI student from Viqarunnisa Noon School and College. Her film, "Fishbowl", depicts the effects of a toxic relationship on a woman and her child. The story is visualised through the eyes of a fish which itself is trapped in a fishbowl. "In the film, visual metaphors portray different stages of a toxic relationship. Just like the fish is trapped helplessly in the fishbowl, the child is trapped in a dysfunctional family," she added. The idea for this short film emerged during the quarantine, as she noticed people to be stuck in certain different circumstances. She made this film with the help of her sister, Faria Begum Riya, who is a professional software engineer.
Mubasshira's film, "Boon is Missing" narrates the story of a mother fish who leaves her babies with their grandmother, to look for food. She comes across a plastic bag in the ocean and after attempting to eat it, she is choked to death. "My film addresses the alarming rise in plastic pollution from a different perspective. I intend to engage with the audience by connecting with them emotionally," she shared. Mubasshira is a grade III student from Darland International School and this is her first animation short film.
"Rise", directed by Syeda, shows the everyday struggles of Bangladeshi women. It brilliantly addresses the various social shackles restricting women from doing what they want to do. "I have used a clay figure and stop-motion animation to present the story. Even in the 21st century, it is observed that women struggle to achieve their goals whereas men, with abundance of opportunity and comparatively less hurdles, excel easily. My film specifically focuses on these elements," she further said. Syeda is a HSC student from Viqarunnisa Noon School and College.
Suprio is an O-Levels student at Mastermind School. Her film, "Ochobi - to the sleepless youth", portrays the life of three siblings sitting in their enclosed apartment. It visualises them getting exposed to life and addresses how antisocial behaviour and loneliness is affecting them mentally. The dancing little girl, the confused young maiden and the tired young boy are all getting lost in the path of their lives. "This represents a state of tediousness and remorse. In a broader sense, it represents the middle-class youth and their independent struggles," she said.
The week-long WOW festivities concluded this week and shared stories of young girls who are developing innovative solutions and leading efforts towards positive social change, including gender equality, in their communities. British Council also organised an array of digital activities, including workshops and talks.
Maisha Islam Monamee is a freelance journalist.