International Documentary Festival at Liberation War Museum

Clockwise(Top-Left): Aly Zaker speaks at the inauguration, next to him are (L-R) Mofidul Haque,Milia Goni and Abu Musa Debu, to be screened on December 23 and My Dear Olive Tree, Scenes from Shei Raat-er Kotha Bolte Eshechhi

The festival began with the screening of Zahir Raihan's Stop Genocide, a passionate and moving protest to what was going on in Bangladesh during the liberation war. The documentary had a powerful impact on international audience and generated awareness on the genocide carried out by the Pakistan Army in Bangladesh.

The following documentary My Dear Olive Tree directed by Osama Qashoo is about the destruction of olive trees under Israeli occupation, and the role that the trees play in daily life. This shows what these trees mean to Palestinian culture, and why it is important for people to defend their trees against Israeli attempts to destroy them.

The last documentary of the day was Music According to Deben Bhattacharya, directed by Stéphane Jourdain. The film is constructed around Deben Bhattacharya's return to Bangladesh, the country of his origin. In the film Deben Bhattacharya who spent his life on the road recording music in dozens of countries, narrates important adventures of his life. The film focuses on the role of music in a man's search for liberation, peace and happiness.

Earlier Dr Sarwar Ali, a trustee of the Museum gave the welcome speech. Mofidul Haque, the director of the festival also spoke at the event. Aly Zaker, Abu Musa Debu and Milia Goni who worked with Zahir Raihan in Stop Genocide shared their experiences.

A music CD of Bangladeshi folk artistes at the refugee camps in 1971 recorded by Deben Bhattachariya was launched by Karunamaya Goswami. Deben presented the collection to the Museum.

The festival will continue to December 26.