“Amar Ekushey Boi Mela” is an event that has been catering to book enthusiasts for years now. This year, Showtime sheds the spotlight on a few books that would be a delight for those who are interested in the fields of film, drama and mass-media.
Actor, playwright and director Gazi Rakayet’s book “Tinti Monchonatok” compiles three stage plays – Kohor, Nikhai and Jonmoshutro. The book was first published in 2014 and is now available at Ankur Prokashoni’s stall at the fair. Ankur has also published Dr Mukid Chowdhury’s “Ochin Dwiper Upakkhan,” a Bangla adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”
Khan Shawkat’s “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib,” a historical stage play, was released in this year’s book fair by Shikha Prokashani. In the preface, prominent historian Muntasir Mamun writes, “Pure history cannot be portrayed in a play. The publisher has mixed imagination with history to create some real and imaginary characters. Although the plot is historical, some imagination has been poured in.”
For photography enthusiasts, “Photography’r Tukitaki” might turn out to be a good read and it is available at the stall of Protik Prokashoni. Written by Touhidun Nabi, the book contains details over the technicalities of photography including lens, focus, and utilisation of light. Another attraction, “Filmmaker er Bhasha” is a series written on the works of prominent filmmakers across the globe. The two latest ones are based in Korea and Africa. Composed by Rudro Arif and Bijoy Ahmed, the book contains interviews of 10 prominent filmmakers of the respective countries.
Humayun Ahmed’s “Ghetuputro Komola,” “Shonkhonil Karagar” and “Aguner Poroshmoni,” published by Ono Prokash which were later turned into popular feature films, are the ones to look out for at this year’s Boi Mela. Humayun Ahmed’s “Chhobi Bananor Golpo” can be a piece suitable for a film lover’s collection since it contains behind the scene stories and the original script of the film Aguner Poroshmoni. With beautiful pictures from the shooting sets on glossy paper, the book is a treat for the eyes. It is available at Suborno Prokashoni, published by Ahmed Mahfuzul Hoque.
Another piece that can enrich one’s book archive is “Cameray Shwadesher Mukh” by the veteran photographer Amanul Haque. Published by Shahittya Prokash, the book is a compilation of photos on the history, nature and political movements of Bangladesh. The gifted photographer also brings in “Proshongo Satyajit,” a book that features photos and narratives on Satyajit Ray caught during his shooting of his films.
Anis Alamgir’s “Tragedy of Arab Spring” was recently launched by Adarsho Prokashoni at the fair on Saturday. Apart from the events in the Middle East, the book ranges from the politics of Europe, America and all the way to South Asia. The writer states, “It is the picture of today’s world politics. The book aims to serve those who are interested in international politics and study international relations and current affairs,” says Anis Alamgir.
A host of books based on Bangladeshi films, drama, dance and music have been made available at the stalls of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Bangladesh Film Archive. Among them, “Mukh O Mukhosher Chherapata” by Shoraful Islam is one which contains news, views, and debates over Mukh O Mukhosh, the first Bengali language feature film to be made in East Pakistan. The book has been published by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Books on plays and theatre can be found at the stall of Theater, as well.