The biopic, "Mujib: The Making of a Nation," directed by renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal, made its debut at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Wednesday.
The film, depicting the life and political odyssey of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, resonated deeply with the audience, filling the entire TIFF Bell Lightbox hall to capacity during the screening, the Bangladesh High Commission in Canada said.
In a statement, director Shyam Benegal expressed his delight at unveiling the film at this prestigious festival: "I am sure the story of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his journey toward creating the nation of Bangladesh will echo with people and communities across the globe. It has been an honour to be able to tell this inspiring story of the making of a nation."
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, who was present during the screening, shared his emotions: "I am brimming with emotions at this screening of 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation,' the biopic on our Bangabandhu - under whose leadership we achieved our independence. I am grateful to the teams from both countries for portraying his journey, his unfathomable love, and his supreme sacrifice for the country and its people."
He also mentioned that this cinematic endeavour will portray the narrative of Bangabandhu's tortuous journey in constructing the nation of Bangladesh, a story meant for the global audience.
Dr Khalilur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada, emphasized in a post-premiere interview that the screening of the biopic on Bangabandhu, "Mujib: The Making of a Nation," at the TIFF, significantly strengthens efforts for the deportation of Nur Chowdhury, the convicted killer of Bangabandhu, to Bangladesh to implement the verdict passed on him.
Nuzhat Yasmin, managing director of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), expressed her pride in the film's screening at TIFF and gratitude to the cast and crew for their efforts.
Prithul Kumar, managing director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), extended his congratulations to the entire team for creating a film that not only resonates with Bangladesh but is poised to touch the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Lead actor Arifin Shuvoo, who portrayed the iconic role of Bangabandhu, said: “It is an honour to play Bangabandhu in this magnificent biopic and to be here to see the response myself. May Mujib continue to touch our hearts and inspire the world as he always did."
Actor Nusraat Faria, who was also present at the screening, shared her privilege in playing the character of Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu’s daughter and the current prime minister of Bangladesh: "The film has truly come out so well, and seeing the love and support it is getting is truly fulfilling."
These two lead actors were also available for a post-screening Q&A and one-on-one interviews with the media.
Under the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement between India and Bangladesh, "Mujib: The Making of a Nation" was crafted with meticulous detail, capturing the essence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's life and his role in shaping the destiny of Bangladesh.
The screening of "Mujib: The Making of a Nation" at the prestigious TIFF is a testament to the enduring legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his immeasurable contributions to the world, said the High Commission.
The High Commission said it had worked in close cooperation with the BFDC, and NFDC worked closely with the TIFF authorities over the last three months for the screening of this film.
