Sunday, July 23, 2017

Bangladeshi Films: Through the Lens of Professor Fahmidul Haq


[Raihana Sayeeda Kamal talks to Dr Fahmidul Haq to know the ins and outs of Bangladeshi films. Dr Fahmidul Haq is a professor of Mass Communication and Journalism department, University of Dhaka]

Transition of Bangladeshi film industry: Bangladeshi film industry evolved around late 1960 to 1970. Transitions took place from 1970 to early 2000. We assume that all 70s films were good but the reality is something different. During then, we didn't have VCR, and satellite connection. Our locals didn't have exposure to western movies. By the exposure to Bollywood and Hollywood movies through VCR and satellite connection, the film industry has faced a blow. Our audience shifted to their productions.

On golden age of films: There is a reason behind dubbing 70s as 'Golden age'. In the early 60s to 80s, most successful films belonged to historical genre or came from local Jatra -- Rupbaan, Sirajuddoula, Behula, Beder Meye Josna etc. People loved them because they had a comprehensive heroic and localised story line which are not being produced these days.  

Decline of golden age: The golden age started to decline in the late 80s or early 90s. During 80s, there was a technological shift and cultural shift. 

From early 90s, a dramatic change took place in technology. If we dive deep, we find, the contemporary audience didn't have other media to entertainment before 90s. The only form of entertainment they had was Bangla films. Educated, literate people used to watch Bangla movies. But from 90s, the standard of audience fell down because of the commercialisation of movies. Prolonged militarization and Islamisation also determined the content of cinema.

On commercialisation of films: After the Liberation War, more especially during 90s, the sole purpose of film making became profit making or commercialisation. Educated people started turning their back to film industry. During 90s, the investment mostly came from black money holders. 

On obscene: 
Use of obscene started taking place from 90s. Porn cut pieces were used in the extreme violent movies. Surprisingly, censor board approved those films with obscenity and bribery was a norm. This shift made the middle class audience completely move away from the ordinary productions. They moved to Indian or western movies. In 2007, under the Caretaker government, the use of cut piece got banned. 

Getting audience back: When you lose audience, it is difficult to get them back. With that, western film industry advanced technologically a lot. They have global aspects, widescreen, and Dolby digital picture with HD quality which we do not have. Still, some good directors are coming to this industry. Directors like Mostafa Sarwar Farooqui, Amitabh Reza and many others are coming up with some good movies following the path of Tareque Masud or Morshedul Islam. Many audiences are occasionally coming back due to their films.

Female audiences: From 2004 to 2005, female audience turned back from Bangla cinema due to variable factors. Among many, the quality of the halls, atmosphere inside the hall along with the obscene and violent content are of great paramount.

Film studies: Now many institutes have been set up. Research, seminar and workshops are being conducted on various subject matters. Film critics and makers are trying to revitalise the film industry. But the number is very low. You need good films for good standard of study. 

Independent researchers along with the institutions are conducting various researches on many issues. They should conduct more in-depth analysis on the socio-cultural and historical aspects. Many are coming to study cinema of Bangladesh without prior knowledge of social research as well as knowledge on cinema as art form. 

Co-production: The local film makers, to improve the standard, are collaborating with the directors from Kolkata. Many critics say Kolkata is trying to intrude into our industry. Co-production is a reality in global cinema. But one has to look at who is benefited from co-production cinema? Until now, maximum benefits go to Kolkata's bag. 

Reflection of film in life: I personally believe that film has no direct connection with life. Film cannot shape one's perception of life. Yes, films have some influence but they cannot change the mindset of people completely. Film can portray a picture of the society, or can touch audience's feeling. It cannot change the society.

Sexual assault and cinema: We find objectification of female body in films not only in Bangladesh but also in Western industries like Hollywood and Bollywood. Again, this is also done due to commercial purposes. We need to reveal that by critical discussions. 

Gender role: Films should be made based on gender equity. Patriarchal hegemony needs to be broken in films too. Gender roles should be chosen carefully and significantly so that both play the roles of equal importance with equal values. 

First Published: Bangladesh Observer, 23 July, 2017

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