Dhaka: Zahir Raihan Film Society is set to host the premiere screening of ‘Return,’ a short film produced in the Tripura language, highlighting Bangladesh’s cultural and linguistic diversity of small ethnic groups. The screening will take place at 6pm tomorrow at Vintage Convention Hall in the capital’s Dhanmondi area, said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the film, produced by Dr. Mong Usha Thowai and directed by filmmaker Pradip Ghosh, explores themes of emotion, struggle, memory, and identity within the tribal communities of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts. Organizers have described the production as an important artistic document reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region.
Freedom War researcher and filmmaker Kawsar Chowdhury is expected to attend the event as chief guest, while journalist and film researcher Bidhan Ribeiro will join as a special guest. The producer and director will also participate in a discussion session with the audience about the film’s creative process and underlying themes.
According to Azmir Tarek Chowdhury, joint secretary of the film society, the languages, memories, and lived experiences of Bangladesh’s ethnic communities are inseparable parts of the country’s collective cultural identity. “Cinema is a powerful medium for preserving and portraying this multicultural reality,” he said, adding that ‘Return’ is not only a short film, but also an artistic representation of the history, emotions, and identity of the people of the hill tracts.
Film enthusiasts, researchers, students, and members of the media have been invited to attend the event.