A documentary on the pioneering women's magazine

Clockwise (from left): Glimpses of veteran journalist late Mohammad Nasiruddin with daughter Noorjahan (editor of Begum) at work, one of the earlier publications, office of Begum in Patuatuli

One such woman-centric film is Begum, researched, scripted and directed by Ribon Khandokar, lecturer in the Department of Drama and Dramatics, Jahangirnagar University. Through her camera, she traces the roots of Begum--the oldest women's magazine in Bangladesh, its early trials and tribulations and achievements. Says Ribon in explanation of the film, "Begum encouraged women to come out of the veil, express their innermost feelings and gave them information on the world outside their homes. It is and was a wonderful platform for women writers."

Since its first issue in 1947, published from Calcutta to its move to Dhaka (Patuatuli), Begum has attracted writers such as Rabeya Khatun, Mokbula Manzur, Zobaida Gulshanara, Fahmida Amin, Maleka Begum and Ferdousi Rahman (better known as a singer). To Begum's credit, Syeda Khanam, Bangladesh's first woman photographer, began her career here.

The pioneering magazine, was founded by Mohammad Nasiruddin and has been edited by his daughter Noorjahan Begum for over 58 years who took over the reins from Begum Sufia Kamal, writer, poet and women's activist.

Tracing the early years of the magazine, Noorjahan asserts in the film, "Before Begum there was no illustrated weekly for Muslim Bengali women in the subcontinent. Those who could read or write or at least had completed primary level education, were the target readers of the magazine."

Explaining the philosophy of Begum, Noorjahan goes on to add, "Begum opened the closed doors of the woman's world." The monthly magazine covers a host of issues such as poetry, news, novels, short stories and lighter articles. Noorjahan's hand is visible even today--from selecting articles, to gathering photographs and reading proofs. "The aim was to create a movement in the social values and norms," says Noorjahan.

However, there is a downside as well. A funds crunch and lack of technological innovation have impaired the quality of this revolutionary magazine. Also in question is the issue of succession, though it is believed that Noorjahan's elder daughter will take over the mantle.

Behind the scenes, Ribon points out that a great deal of research has gone into the film Begum. She draws attention to her intensive conversations with readers and writers of the magazine.

Ultimately the question is whether the documentary will stand the test of time and inspire a new generation of women.