Rahsaan Noor’s “Bengali Beauty” will be the first film in Bangla to be released in China. The period drama will be among 36 foreign language films to be screened at 3000 Chinese theatres on January 2019.
GM Shahidul Alam, who plays the role of Bangladesh Betar’s Director General in “Bengali Beauty”, confirmed the news to Showtime. He said, “Rahsaan was invited to Guanghzou by the Chinese Minister for Intercultural Affairs. The next thing we heard was that it will be part of 36 foreign language films to be shown in 3000 Chinese theatres in 2019.
“We are absolutely delighted that it will be the first Bangla language film to be shown in China. It is a ground-breaking achievement. Rahsaan Noor is a pioneer among Bangladeshi filmmakers, and is helping to popularize Bangladeshi cinema to an international audience.”
Shahidul also told Showtime that “Bengali Beauty” was first released in United States on February 16, where it was screened at 10 theatres of five different states. In Bangladesh it was first released in July 20, and was shown only in Blockbuster Cinema of Jamuna Future Park for seven days.
At the end of July Jaaz Multimedia took over its distribution in Bangladesh. Rahsan Noor's Ziryab Society will do the marketing and distribution abroad.
According to Sarah Alam, who plays the role of RJ Mita Rahman of Bangladesh Betar in “Bengali Beauty,” the film is set to re-release in Bangladesh on October 5. It was previously scheduled to be released on September 21 but the date has been pushed back for Rahsaan’s convenience. The film will be shown in the Star Cineplex, Blockbuster Cinema and many other theatres that have not yet been confirmed.
Sarah is an RJ for Radio Foorti, and is making her film debut with “Bengali Beauty.” When asked how she got the role she said, “Rahsaan is a friend. He came to Radio Foorti one day, and we pretty much hit it up from there. When he gave me the script, I was touched by the character for which he wanted me to audition. I have always loved period dramas and this was set in the 70s.
“Shooting duration was nine days for me, but the film was shot in one month. I loved the 70s costumes and the food (especially). Rahsaan has a good sense of humour and Toya (the co-actor) was very nice, and even helped me figure out my look for the film.”
Regarding her character Sarah said, “I am very happy that I was able to debut with this role. It is based on a real person, so I had to obtain training to perfectly replicate the tone of her voice and her body language. I would say the character has depth and one needs to understand the layered meanings behind her lines.”
In answer to whether she will do more films Sarah said, “If I get a good script with a beautiful role I would definitely do more films.”
