Filmmaking challenge to combat sexual harassment

Bangladeshi writer, director and producer Afzal Hossain Munna has recently thrown an online filmmaking challenge between directors to create awareness about sexual harassment and its prevention. He posted a status along with a video message on his Facebook profile about the challenge on March 25. He wrote: “Every day we read news of rape and violence. Another group is trying to repress women both online and offline. Is our protest just limited within Facebook statuses? Can’t we do something from our own place? This accountability needs to be highest among us filmmakers.” He then wrote: “Starting a campaign/movement regarding this, if some short films we produce can change some people’s outlook and if some of them can be a protest against sexual harassment, I will make a short film and upload it within the next thirty days and each of the filmmakers I will challenge, if they accept, will have to make a film and challenge three more filmmakers. This is how the campaign can move along and might create a strong online statement over the issue. We can create awareness through this.” “The power of cinema is huge. Let’s see if we can reach some people’s ears or not,” he added. He then challenged filmmakers and media personalities including Noman Robin, Proshoon Rahman, Aysha Monica, Khijir Hayat Khan, NS Bulbul Biswas and Wahid Ibn Reza. Afzal then said anyone who also thinks that their film can change society even the slightest bit can also join the campaign.