Disaster Management Studio, Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies (IDMVS), University of Dhaka, in collaboration with GRRIPP South Asia, organized a special film screening of Shunte Ki Pao! (Are You Listening!) on May 9, 2022 at RC Majumdar Arts Auditorium, Lecture Theater.
The event was attended by director Kamar Ahmad Simon, who is spending a busy time promoting his upcoming documentary “Anyadin..”
“Shunte Ki Pao!” revolves around a small village called 'Sutarkhali' in the coastal region of Bangladesh where Rakhi and Soumen take their 6 year old son Rahul with them. On May 25, 2009, when Rahul was just 4 years old, a catastrophic tidal wave hit the coastal region of Bangladesh. The film tells the story of Rakhi's aspirations for a dignified future for her son, as well as the community's struggles.
“Shunte Ki Pao!” won the Grand Prix award at Cinéma du Réel France, Golden Conch, and the Best Cinematography at Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) India. It was also the opening film of Open Doors Screening at LOCARNO Film Festival.
All faculty members as well as current and ex-students of IDMVS were able to enjoy the event. It was presided by Dr Dilara Zahid, acting director of the institute and special guest was Prof. Dr. Mahbuba Nasreen, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Bangladesh Open University and former director of IDMVS.
The event concluded with an interactive academic discourse with the film’s director Kamar Ahmad Simon. The discussion focused on storytelling and filmmaking in times of disaster, including disaster tolerance, adaptability and impact of cyclones on the people of Sutarkhali village in Dakop Upazila. The purpose of the program was to enlighten the students with their academic knowledge through visual presentations and to discuss their curiosities in a participatory manner.
Sohan Khan, student of IDMVS 7th batch said that he came to know about embankment construction, a community’s socio-economic vulnerabilities, usage of their indigenous knowledge and problems related to relief distribution.
Another student, Ifrit Faiza said, “I can now relate to the film through the lens of my academic background. The film has increased my interest in my academics.” A volunteer of DMS, Zannat Mawa said that this screening session will provide the students with necessary insights related to disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.
At the end of the program, Kamar Ahmad Simon noted that his film found a new meaning by establishing a close academic connection and reaching university-going students.
