Emdad Rahman: The first viewing of “Explore Beanibazar” has been a resounding success as a capacity crowd flocked to watch the landmark heritage documentary.
The hour-long motion picture by journalist and film maker Foysol Mahmud saw hundreds of visitors’ flock to the Brady Arts Centre, Brick Lane to be a part of what has turned out to be a rather special and monumental occasion.
Explore Beanibazar is the result of an individual’s passion to highlight the history, beauty, significance of this influential region of Bangladesh.
Mahmud has painstakingly put together a great piece of film which will promote Beanibazar not only in a positive light but also serve as an invaluable resource for future generations, for natives as well as the expatriate community scattered all over the globe.
The documentary has admittedly sparked lots of interest in heritage, history and is inspiring creative content related to Beanibazar. Young people from the diaspora community with roots in Bangladesh will take a keener interest in their customs, cultures, traditions and ancestry.
Explore Beanibazar will help develop a sense of belonging and unity, for if we know our past, we can be confident in where we are heading.
Heritage is invaluable, significant and hugely important to us all as human beings. It enables us to savour a golden past, enables us to glorify and enjoy in the present and then ultimately pass on to those who come after us.
Explore Beanibazar helps promote values through expression, brings worth and value to discussions, highlights our dreams and paints a vivid picture of how we have evolved throughout time.
This production sheds light on the past and through the mention of traditions and history it encourages the viewer to ask questions about the days of bygone, present and future as it helps instil a greater sense of awareness whilst stimulating thoughts and discussions on who we are and how we have come to be.
One cannot deny that our heritage is key in helping shape our view of the world as it influences the role we play within our respective communities.
Mahmud’s exceptional efforts will play a big role in encouraging communities to take a keener interest in the conservation of their rich heritage and even in Beanibazar itself, this will help with the development of uplifting neglected areas of the region as people review and reconnect with their roots.
Therefore, it is vital It is imperative that heritage and history is accredited and acknowledged in order to be enjoyed by those in the present as well as the future.
The event was a resounding success despite most of the visitors being unaccommodated due to venue capacity restrictions, meaning that the majority were unable to fit into the main viewing auditorium.
The spill over resulted in the foyer and reception area of the Brady Centre becoming full and with lots more people having to wait on the street outside. So popular was the launch that it is safe to say that a larger number of patrons visiting didn’t actually get to view Explore Beanibazar nor meet with the Director.
This should only be the beginning for this super project and I (amongst others) have made my recommendations to Foysol:
- To further develop the film and add subtitles.
- Organise a roadshow with Q&A session all over the UK and abroad
- Launch an education programme in schools
- Inspire and assist other Upazilas and regions to do the same for their diaspora
Hopefully this film will lead to more heritage projects blossoming, to raise awareness and inculcate a sense of belonging, especially for young people.
Special guests on the night included Bangladeshi High Commissioner to the UK, Saida Muna Tasneem, Camden Mayor Nasim Ali and Speaker of Tower Hamlets Shafi Ahmed.
Mahmud, the man behind “Explore Beanibazar” feels there is more to come.
He said, “Heritage is beautiful and important for us all. I hope my humble efforts will spark discussions and encourage interest from not only my community, but others too.”
Beanibazar is a sub-district (Upazila) of the Sylhet District of Bangladesh. The region boasts a sizeable expatriate population, notably in the United Kingdom and United States.
No comments:
Post a Comment