Q. Recently, your film ‘A Tale of Night Flowers’ was released on Amazon Prime Video in the USA and UK regions. And your second film, ‘Arshinagar (Reflection),’ is being selected for many international festivals. Would you share the insights of this journey?

ATS:
It’s undoubtedly a great feeling! I submitted it, and it got selected. But it’s not like “Vini Vidi Vici.” Nothing is built in a day. There is plenty of toiling and patience if I look back. I started ‘A Tale of Night Flowers’ in 2012 and completed it in 2015; Arshinagar (Reflection) I scripted in 2021, filmed in 2017, and completed it this year. So, you can easily guess how much persistence and patience are required. It takes a long time to pursue passion alongside professions, but I love the evolution of that filmmaking process as it progresses every year with me, even if it's a baby step! 

Arshinagar (Reflection), a 54 min feature film in Bangla, received Official Selection for screening in 9 international film festivals till this Friday, September 23, 2022, among which five (5) of them awarded the film in various categories—most notably Best Independent Film, Best Experimental Film, and Best Director Award in the following festivals: 1st Monthly Film Festival, Belgrade, Serbia; Knight of the Reel Awards, Hyderabad, India; Tamizhagam International Film Festival, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Sittannavasal International Film Festival in Tamil Nadu, India; and Triloka International Filmfare Awards, Tamil Nadu, India. 

In addition, the film has also been officially selected for screening in American film festivals like Synergy Film Festival, Los Angeles, California, USA; Dos Lagos Film Festival, Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CA, USA.

Also, First Time Filmmaker Sessions Festival by Lift-Off Global Network, at Pinewood Studios, United Kingdom, shortlisted the film in their first round; and Indus Valley International Film Festival (IVIFF), Season 4, New Delhi, India, included the film in the festival to screen. Most of these results will be announced by October 2022.

Q. Let’s hear your definition of filmmaking.

ATS:
To me, it’s motion art with a particular purpose. Personally speaking, I prefer to define it from the perspective of the French avant-garde movement, where art is considered a social reformation or healing process to break taboos, challenge stereotypes and enlighten visions, awaken souls, tap the untapped portions in minds, to see the unseen and to hear the unheard. 

This purpose varies from one film director to another. Nevertheless, theoretically, it's a process of audiovisual storytelling that unites every other art form. Many film industries define it as just another form of entertainment and nothing else. However, other streams of schools consider cinematic arts as philosophy. 

Q. How would you describe such divisions in the film industry, namely commercial and non-commercial or art film?

ATS:
A film is a film. Let’s put it that way. Whether it can make money or not depends on a lot of factors. There are very good films worldwide that could not make much money. Technically, there is no difference. Every film is an art form, but the problem lies in restricting the director's freedom of speech if that is handcuffed under the shadow of such categorization: commercial and noncommercial. In mainstream films, there is a considerable involvement of the Power, whether through corporations, funding agencies, or direct State involvement, compared to independent filmmaking. 

Therefore, regarding the purpose of making, there are certainly differences. When the purpose is to serve the Power, for the Power, and by the Power, a cinema might lose its power of storytelling as an art form. Then it would be just another business product like other products in the market. There is nothing wrong there. In that case—there will be no counter-narratives;  if films start blindly ‘pied pipering’ the Power, then no societal hegemonic trends or prejudices can be altered; in short, the world would not have seen such progress.

The difference between commercial and ‘art’ films is intentionally put into practice. In the former—we see celebrities and idolized figures in action. That’s the easiest way to set the trend, the best way to exercise certain beliefs, and that’s how the Power wins. 

On the other hand, a film that might not be commercially successful loses its glamor to be idolized by the masses. So, the film is a significant political tool—it's a bridge between the Power and the mass. If the Power is afraid—it will not let the bridge be breached!! 

Q. As an independent filmmaker, what characteristics or qualities must be practiced or nourished? 

ATS:
Read and watch! Those are the grounds where we stand upon. Daily read a book, no matter how busy you are. At least a single page! And daily watch a film! I know it might sound overwhelming. But that's what I do! That’s what I have seen maestros doing. I have hardly missed this routine in my life—even when I had to do multiple full-time jobs in Bangladesh. Reading a book or watching a film works like meditation to me—like a prayer! It’s a medicine that can take any stress away! 

There is no alternative to being persistent. While working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Notre Dame University Bangladesh since 2016, I simultaneously worked with more than 6 other private organizations including print media, social organizations, and corporations. Alongside, I had to look after my agency Avant-garde Productions, which I started in 2011 with the first production Shunner Abritti (The Sound of Silence) aired on a national television channel. So, when you are passionate about something, you never get tired of that, no matter how hectic that work seems. 

The rest of the learning will evolve naturally. If one is in a routine of reading books and watching films, certain styles of filmmaking, innovative patterns of storytelling, becoming enriched with historical and social-political knowledge—all these traits will eventually come by. Get on the correct route first; the road, today or tomorrow, will take you there! It doesn’t matter, even if it’s a bumpy ride! 

Q. Would you like to share any names of mentors or idols? 

ATS:
In 2008, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be mentored by the faculty members in the Department of English at the University of Dhaka, particularly Prof. Tahmina Ahmed and Dr. Shamsad Mortuza who explicitly guided my creative journey. I wrote this script of ‘Arshinagar’ (Reflection) in my final year of undergraduate studies in 2012.

I was a student of renowned filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel Sir in Bangladesh Film Institute in late 2008. From there, I realized the need to do theater and so joined a group Nabonat in 2009. There, I was personally mentored by Alauddin Ahmed Rana on dialogue writing.  

From 2011-2012, I learned production design and management from a colleague, filmmaker Hossain Mohammad Belal. 

About idols, that’s not permanent. It’s evolving like life! When I first watched Battleship Potemkin, director Sergei Eisenstein wasa montage maestro to me. Then Cinema Paradiso by Giuseppe Tornatore, Eyes Wide Shut by Stanley Kubrick, The Sound of Music by Robert Wise, Roman Holiday by William Wyler—these classics greatly inspired me to learn narrative techniques. It’s challenging to pick one work as my favorite from Quentin Tarantino’s and Martin Scorsese’s films. I also love Kim Ki-Duk’s and Yorgos Lanthimos’s styles of filmmaking. Recently, I’m into the works of Paweł Pawlikowski, who directed Ida in 2013, and Alfonso Cuarón, who made Roma in 2018. 

Q. Anything particular from your childhood that contributed to this creative journey?

ATS:
When I was in kindergarten level (KG1) at Dhanmondi International School, Ayesha Yasmin was my teacher, and she always used to allow me to lead the art classes. As a kid, I used to draw well with chalks on the blackboard! In addition, my mother has always pushed me to participate in extracurricular activities since my preschool period. 

I used to do calligraphy, participate in scrapbook contests, and chess tournaments in Saint Joseph High School, Dhaka. Since then, this journey of art has set sail. 

I must mention two friends—Akib Khan from my school who introduced me to the world of independent filmmakers in 2007; and in 2010, I got a filmmate Aasif Antue to watch films with. 

Q. Any concluding remarks?

ATS:
Cinematic Arts is like an umbrella for all the other branches of fine arts! It constantly reminds us of the utmost need of this world—being empathetic (I abbreviate it as “BE”), and that’s what visual storytelling is all about! In this BE, there is no doubt “to be or not to be!”

Those wishing to celebrate Christmas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia no longer have to buy decorations for this occasion in a secret way, as they are available to everyone and openly displayed in stores. Celebrating Christmas is no longer taboo in the formerly conservative Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
Nowadays, Christmas trees and decorative lights of various colours can be found easily in many of the Kingdom’s markets and malls, in a scene that was difficult even to imagine years ago in the Kingdom.
It was almost impossible to sell these goods openly in Saudi Arabia about three years ago, but the Kingdom has finally witnessed an end.
For decades, expats have been buying Christmas items almost in secret, while Christians from the Philippines, Lebanon and other countries have been celebrating Christmas behind closed doors or in areas where foreigners reside.
These sales have begun to appear gradually in the Kingdom in recent years, in a gesture to ease social restrictions after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged to lead a “moderate and liberated” Kingdom from extremist ideas.
For expatriates living in Saudi Arabia, finding Christmas decorations in the Kingdom’s stores is much easier than it had been in previous years.
“Decorations were previously available in Saudi Arabia in specific hidden locations because it was not permitted, but they are now available in malls or nearby shops,” Lebanese expat Alain Karam told Arab News.
Saudi supermarkets also sell Christmas trees and other decorations. But the word “Christmas” rarely appears in shops and cafes. Instead, “festive flavours” and “holiday-themed” tags appear.
On the other hand, British daily newspaper The Guardian quoted merchant as saying that they do not fear the Saudi authorities, but they are concerned about the reaction of some who do not like the idea of ​​celebrating the rituals of different religions.
For the first time this Christmas, Arab News, the Riyadh-based regional leading English-language daily, has put out a Christmas edition.
In 2016, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled Saudi Vision 2030. Along with this came a set of reforms that would unleash the kingdom’s potential and create an ambitious, strong and vibrant society with a diversified economy, putting quality of life first.
Over the past six years, Vision 2030 has created a culture of tolerance and openness. The Kingdom’s religious institutions are being restructured and its system of government, based on the teachings of the holy Quran, is being carefully re-examined.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman carried out major reforms in Saudi Arabia, allowing concerts to be held, cinemas reopened and women allowed to drive as part of his project to modernize the kingdom.

Source: Siasat, Arab News

Many of the best and most interesting holiday traditions in celebrating some of the most anticipated winter holidays for almost any person in any culture on our planet include food — Christmas and New Year's are no exception.

There are many unique treats, recipes, and meals that various cultures make and consume on December 31 or January 1 to bring good luck in the upcoming New Year. In Spain, people prefer grapes. In Turkey, the thing is all about pomegranates. Cornbread, fish, and noodles are just a couple more examples of auspicious foods eaten around the world to kick off a fresh year.
Those New Year's Eve food traditions have a layered, deep meaning that should be explored as we head into the holiday season. Who knows, they might even inspire to start a new tradition in 2023 or change a New Year's Eve party menu.

1) Christmas dinner in the United States is not complete without a roast turkey. The Christmas turkey tradition can be traced back to Henry VIII, who decided to make the bird a staple for the festive day.

2) In France, oysters are one of the most popular dishes on a Christmas table.

3) Christmas pudding (aka plum pudding) is served after Christmas dinner in Britain and Ireland. It’s also popular in Australia and other places with British immigrants.

4) Spanish turrón, a southwestern European nougat confection (Casa Mira), is a popular sweet treat during holiday season in Spain.

5) Christmas Eve carp, a traditional dish served in Poland for Christmas Eve dinner, Brisbane, 2020.

6) Gingerbread is a traditional Christmas treat in Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Scandinavia.

7) A homemade Pavlova dessert decorated with pomegranate seeds and chantilly cream. A meringue-based dessert, originating in either Australia or New Zealand in the early 20th century. It was named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.

8) Christmas goose (Weihnachtsgans), a traditional German dish that's prepared for Christmas. It's a roasted goose that's typically filled with onions, prunes, chestnuts, apples, and/or dates.

9) An authentic and delicious Black bean tamales with fresh goat cheese, a traditional Christmas dish in Mexico and Central America. Tamales are a Latin American tradition because of the pork and the corn. Because corn is the color of gold, it also means wealth and prosperity.

10) A slightly more modern version of the traditional Finnish joulupöytä Christmas meal. This dinner includes potato casserole, rosolli, gravlax, caviar, herring, olives, and various cheeses. The traditional Christmas ham has been replaced with a soy version.

11) Toshikoshi soba, a New Year's Eve noodles in Japan. Goldsmiths used to use the fine soba flour to collect stray gold dust or gold lacquer, as it picked up the gold easily. Through this, eating soba is said to bring gold to the household for the coming year.

12) Japanese decorate "Tokonoma", a recessed space in a Japanese-style reception room, in which items for artistic appreciation are displayed, with these stacks of mochi-cakes called "Kagami mochi". People used to make them themselves in older days, but recently they are sold wrapped like this at rice-shops or wagashi shops.

13) Salade Olivier or commonly known as Russian salad on the New Year's table. Russian salad in Russia is called Olivier, by the name of its creator – French chef Lucien Olivier. Olivier salad is a traditional salad dish in Russian cuisine, which is also popular in other post-Soviet countries and around the world.

14) Cotechino, an Italian holiday food, which originated in Modena and are usually paired with stewed lentils. A staple during Christmas or New Year’s dinners, cotechino and zampone are holiday classics. Paired with lentils (said to bring good luck) or mashed potatoes, they are the symbol of an ancient tradition.

15) A British-style Christmas cake with marzipan and icing. In England, Christmas cake is an tradition that began as plum porridge. People ate the porridge on Christmas Eve, using it to line their stomachs after a day of fasting. Soon, dried fruit, spices and honey were added to the porridge mixture, and eventually, it turned into Christmas pudding.

Theatre troupe Batighar will stage their 3rd production ‘Urnajal’ at the Nilima Ibrahim auditorium of Bangladesh Mohila Samity in the capital at 7:00pm today.

This marks 31st show of the drama ‘Urnajal’ written and directed by Bakar Bokul.

The storyline of ‘Urnajal’ revolves around Khaled, who returned home from abroad and his friend Soyful, a baul singer who spent a lot of time at the akhra of Lalon.

The story progresses with the duo and a series of events surrounding them.

The ensemble of performers include Muktoneel, Saddam Rahman, Sanjay Goswami, Sweety Sarker, Khalid Hasan Rumi, Moniruzzaman Firoz, Shishir Sarker, Sanjay Halder, Swaran Biswas, Tarana Tabassum Cherry, Faisal Ahmmed, Raju Ahmmed, Mridha Ayomi, Raja, Shoibal and Yasir.

London Halal Expo 2022 has successfully concluded after welcoming thousands of people for two days, on December 2-3 at the ExCel exhibition center.

The expo had a conference addressing the Halal Economy as well as an exhibition area showcasing businesses looking to sell everything into the British Muslim space, from honey suppliers to mobile apps and more.

The first stand to draw attention was the Muslim Sports Foundation which had a shirt signed by the Lionesses up for offer in a raffle.

Run by Shazia and Parvenu, the foundation’s objective is to encourage more British Muslims, women and men, to be more active and take up sports to improve their health and make friends.

With this theme in mind, the Emerald Network ran a series of networking events bringing together professional British Muslims for regular socials and events.

Steps away, there was a marriage app, Salams, which has seen over 210,000 marriages, but interestingly enough, they have a feature that allows people to find locals to be friends.

Appealing to youngsters is the Aamina Talking Muslim Doll, an alternative to the traditional Ken and Barbie many of us grew up with.  

A brand named Imran Kids has fun educational and learning toys. It was also interesting to discover a brand named Fresh Fragrances whose air freshener included one which sprayed the traditional oud scent so many of us are familiar with.

For those interested in fashion, there was a swimwear brand MFITT Modestswim, which has a range of beach and swimwear. What stood out were the designs which were much more fashionable than simply functional. The Amal and Aisha swimsuits, for example, looked fab!

In terms of food, many brands stood out. MindoFoods has nutritious and healthier curry pastes, S2 Cafe has a fabulous blend of the Kam Heong Asian Spice Blend, and Najma prepared a buffet for visitors to feast on. My favorite was from The Ojos Foods, whose Spanish beef is simply divine!

There was also Nourish Halal, a home delivery start-up, which will be providing a five-meal box via post with rice and chapatis/naans. I tried their butter chicken and have to say it tasted delicious!

There was generally a strong international contingent. From Malaysia, the brand which stood out to me was the Imperia Asia Group which had health drinks for men and women and casual drinks such as pomegranate and soursop. They’ve recently started with chilies as well! Perhaps quench your thirst after setting it on fire

For board game enthusiasts, ‘Road to Makkah,’ was like a Monopoly meets Taboo styled experience complete with cards named ‘Dean’ and ‘Dunya.’ 

Perhaps the coolest thing at the expo was a Dutch innovation from a husband and wife team named El Hidaya.

Physical paper/board day planners, and a pocket supplication (dua) book which has Arabic transliterations, English, and a QR code at the bottom of each page which, when you scan with your phone, would play the supplication in Arabic. Faith and technology were coming together.

All in all, the Halal Expo provided an interesting space for people to learn more about the British Halal Economy as well as facilitated a friendly space for individuals to meet, learn, and discover new brands.