Bangladesh is the ‘Country of Focus’ at the 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) that began in Goa on January 16.

“IFFI is extremely honoured and privileged to have the 'Country of Focus' segment from Bangladesh. This proves very auspicious for us because of 50 years of India Bangladesh diplomatic relations," festival Director Chaitanya Prasad said.

“It is an effort to build a bridge of excellence through cinema post-pandemic,” he said at the press conference.

The ‘Country of Focus’ is a special segment that recognizes the cinematic excellence and contributions of the country. As part of the opening ceremony of the section, `Rupsa Nodir Banke ‘ (Quiet Flows the Rive Rupsa) was screened.

A well-known filmmaker from Bangladesh Tanvir Mokammel was present at the press conference for the screening of his film, ‘Rupsa Nodir Banke’.

"We are happy that Bangladesh is the country of focus this year at IFFI, and we would like to thank the organisers immensely for that," the director said. "It is a befitting year, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh as well as the diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh."

The film is about a left-wing leader, who fights against his destiny all along his life. While portraying the man's struggles, the film deals with the Anti-British Swadeshi movement, the 1947 partition of India, the Tebhaga movement of the Bengal peasants, the creation of Pakistan, the killing of the political prisoners inside a jail in Rajshahi, and finally, the liberation war of Bangladesh against Pakistan in 1971.

Another of his film ‘Jibondhuli’ is also being screened as part of the 'Country of Focus' category at the IFFI. A total of four films from Bangladesh are being screened.

Elaborating on the challenges faced during the making of his period drama, Mokammel shed light on the research he did regarding the props, costumes, and events, in addition to reading books.

"Researching is a challenge faced by all filmmakers who make such films," said Mokammel, who has won many national and international awards for his films. He has so far made seven feature films and 14 documentaries.

This year IFFI is paying tribute to legendary Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray and is showcasing his selected films, ‘Charulatha,’ ‘Ghare Baire,’ ‘Pather Panchali,’ ‘Shataranj Ke Khilari’ and ‘Sonar Kella.’ 

Talking about his love for Ray's films, Mokammel said, "He was a man of renaissance, who was very clear about his thoughts.

“Ray used to paint well and he can be called the Da Vinci of Bengal. We will not have another Satyajit Ray. If one follows his method of working, they will never make any mistake as each shot would be well planned. But, unfortunately, these days it is not common to follow Ray's kind of filmmaking."

Sharing his thoughts on the celebrated Indian actor Soumitra Chatterjee, who died last year of COVID complications, Mokammel said that Chatterjee was a true artist and that Bengali cinema has lost a real icon.

The editor of the film Mahadeb Shi, who also attended the press conference, shared his experience of working with Mokammel for two decades and said that the director's latest film is relevant for the festival, as the theme is about a common man. The film's art director Uttam Guha, and costume designer and casting director, Chittralekha Guha, were also present.