Tanvir Mokammel’s latest film Jibondhuli will be screened in sixty four districts of Bangladesh as an initiative taken by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and the production house Kino Eye Films. Based on the history of the Liberation War of Bangladesh, Jibondhuli received a grant award from the government of Bangladesh.
The director of five feature films and several documentaries, Tanvir Mokammel released his latest production Jibondhuli on February 14. In an conversation with the Dhaka Tribune, Mokammel said: “With the support of Shilpakala Academy for the first time, a film will be shown in sixty four districts of Bangladesh. This is a moment of great joy for the cast and crew of the film. This an important movie for the young generation to learn about our Liberation War. This initiative will enable the youth of every corner of the country top watch the film.”
Talking about the audience’s response on the Jibondhuli so far, the director said: “It is getting positive feedback from the critics and the audience as well. We are glad and hope our journey to continue more.”
The cast of the film features Shatabdi Wadud, Wahida Mallick Joly, Jyotika Jyoti, Ramendu Majumder, Paresh Bhuiyan and many others.
Set against the backdrop of the Liberation War in 1971, the story revolves around Jibonkrishna Das, a lower-caste Hindu drummer. When the Pakistani armed forces occupies Jibon’s village tries to flee with his family. But his family members get killed on the way. Jibon survives, and after roaming around the war-ravaged countryside, when he finally returns to his native village it is being ruled by the Razakars. The commander of the Razakars spares Jibon’s life on the condition that he have to play the drum for his force. The story moves forward depicting how he struggles to survive against the brutality of the Pakistanis and local collaborator.