Young filmmaker Mridul Mamun’s documentary film “Gotipot” (Moving Canvas) came third in the student film category of the 8th Treasure Coast International Film Festival 2018 (TCIFF).
The 26 minute long documentary was the only Bangladeshi film participating in the festival, and competed against 65 international films in viewer’s choice category, and against 25 films in the student film competition. The award was collected by Hasibus Shams and Mohammad Towhidul Ehsan on behalf of Mridul. Hasib and Towhid are both Mridul’s friends, and also fellow film directors of Brit Media 360 Limited. Towhid composed the subtitles for “Gotipot.”
Regarding the achievement Mridul said, “I am very happy that my film was able to bring this glory for Bangladesh. It is a very significant proud moment for all youth film-makers. Obviously, after having won this award, the responsibility of making good films like this increased even more on my shoulders. I am truly encouraged to do more work.”
“One of the challenges I faced while making “Gotipot” was that some of the footage was ruined. Shooting tape was ruined. Also when I sat down at the editing panel, I found lacking in some the technology I initially wanted. However, I am proud that the film still came out good, and have won such accolades. I spent 5 years of my life making this film,” he also added
Regarding filmmaking in Bangladesh Mridul said “In Bangladesh, people may complain about the lack of technology or focuses too much on the technical aspects of film-making. However, I like to believe that if the content and the context are rich, then the film will definitely come out good.”
“Gotipot” focuses on those young pioneers among Bangladeshi artists who made Aziz Market’s T-shirt stalls famous. These stalls helped popularize Bangladeshi designs, inspired from history, tradition, customs and culture, all over the world. Lately they are fusing Bangladeshi motifs with Western elements, which is also a major subject of the film.
“Gotipot” was screened on August 17 in Touchstar Cinema’s Sabal Palms Luxury 6 theatre, which was also the American premiere of the film. It was also screened in Rome at “Roma “Cinema Dok 2018,” and in India at “Celluloid 17 Short Film Festival.”
Mridul has previously made “Kobutorbaj (Pigeon player)” and “ShobaiAkjat (All are the same race),” of which, the latter has received the best documentary award at the Celluloid Film Festival.