[Raihana Sayeeda Kamal talks to Dr Fahmidul Haq to know the ins and outs of Bangladeshi films. Dr Fahmidul Haq is a professor of Mass Communication and Journalism department, University of Dhaka]
Transition of Bangladeshi film industry: Bangladeshi film industry evolved around late 1960 to 1970. Transitions took place from 1970 to early 2000. We assume that all 70s were good but the reality is something different. During then, we didn't have VCR, and satellite connection. Our locals didn't have exposure to western movies. By the exposure to Bollywood and Hollywood movies through VCR and satellite connection, the film industry has faced a blow. Our audience shifted to their productions.
On golden age of films: There is a reason behind dubbing 80s as 'Golden age'. In the early 60s to 80s, most films belonged to historical genre or came from local
Jatra --- Rupbaan, Sirajuddoula, Behula etc. People loved them because they had a comprehensive heroic storyline which are not being produced these days.
Decline of golden age: The golden age started to decline in the late 80s or early 90s. During 80s, there was a technological shift and cultural shift.
From early 90s, a dramatic change took place in technology. If we dive deep, we find, the contemporary audience didn't have other media to entertainment before 90s. The only form of entertainment they had was Bangla films. Educated, literate people used to watch Bangla movies. But from 90s, the standard of audience fell down because of the commercialisation of movies.
On commercialisation of films: After the Liberation War, more especially during 90s, the sole purpose of film making became profit making or commercialisation. Educated people started turning their back to film industry. During 90s, the investment mostly came from black money holders.
On obscene: Use of obscene started taking place from 90s. Cut pieces from porn movies were used in the mainstream films. Surprisingly, censor board approved those films with obscene. This shift made the audience belonging to bourgeois class or upper class move. They moved to Indian or western movies. In 2007, under the Caretaker government, the use of cut piece got banned.
Getting audience back: When you lose audience, it is difficult to get them back. With that, western film industry advanced technologically a lot. They have global aspects, widescreen, and Dolby digital picture with HD quality which we do not have. Still, some good directors are coming to this industry. Directors like Amitabh Reza, Mostafa Sarwar Farooqui others are coming up with some good movies. Many audiences are coming back due to their films.
Female audiences: From 2004 to 2005, female audience turned back from Bangla cinema due to variable factors. Among many, the quality of the halls, atmosphere inside the hall are of great paramount.
Film studies: Now many institutes have been set up. Research, seminar and workshops are being conducted on various subject matters. Film critics and makers are trying to revitalise the film industry. But the number is very low. If you look close, you will find that Mostafa Sarwar Farooqui, Amitabh Reza Chowdhury are doing well as independent film directors but the scenario of mainstream film industry is the same.
The local film makers, to improve the standard, are collaborating with the directors of Kolkata. Many critics say Kolkata is trying to intrude into our industry. But if you consider from economic perspective, then these sorts of films are economic.
But my suggestion would be, we should shift the focus from commercialisation to socio-cultural and historical aspects.
Research on films: Independent researchers along with the institutions are conducting various researches on many issues. They should conduct more in-depth analysis on the socio-cultural and historical aspects.
Reflection of film in life: I personally believe that film has no connection with life. Film cannot shape one's perception of life. Yes, films have some influence but they cannot change the mindset of people completely.
Sexual assault and cinema: We find objectification of female body in films not only in Bangladesh but also in Western industries like Hollywood. The rate has decreased in Hollywood but still prevalent in Bollywood industry. Again, this is also done due to commercial purposes. Awareness should be built up in the censor board to bar it.
Gender role: Films should be made based on gender equity. Patriarchal hegemony needs to be broken in films too. Gender roles should be chosen carefully and significantly so that both play the roles of equal importance with equal values.
