Stories of Change screened on Int’l Women’s day

Nadia Sarwat
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, documentary film “Stories of Change” was screened at Star Cineplex, Bashundhara City Mall. The 55-minute documentary directed by Kamar Ahmed Simon is an artistic documentation of the success stories of five valiant women, who, braving all obstacles, have made significant achievements.
The event also marked the first anniversary of the film, which was premiered on March 14 last year. So far, the documentary has been screened at several international film festivals such as Kolkata International Documentary Film Festival (2009); Jeevika: Asia Livelihood Documentary Film Festival, Delhi (2008); Asiatica Film Mediale, Rome (2008) and Goan People’s film Festival (2008).
Simon has chosen the protagonists for his documentary from different corners of the country. Aged between 16 and 60, they belong to different professions, religions and regions; yet share a common dream. Champa Chakma, the 16-year-old belle from the hill tracts who made her way to the Women’s National Cricket Team; Deepali, the daughter of a tea picker who has been working for improvements in the lives of labourers working at the tea gardens; Sumi, a photojournalist who realised that only through raising her voice in protest, she can work in a conservative society which does not approve women going outside the boundaries of homes — each of the characters show how individual struggles are transformed into a collective force.
Noted filmmaker Morshedul Islam, Barrister Sara Hossain, Professor Firdous Azim from BRAC University and journalist Munni Saha participated in a brief discussion on the film after the screening.
“When observing the International Women’s Day, we are often divided into two opposing factions, ‘us’ and ‘them.’ No matter who we are, male or female, we need a women-friendly view to see the issues women face everyday. Through his film, Simon proves he has that sensitive eye,” Munni Saha said.
“With regret, I noticed that the issue we raise on International Women’s Day emphasises more on the violation of women’s rights, while our focus should be on the rights themselves and how we can ensure them. Simon’s film seems to be a hopeful representation of how these women are changing their fates. It’s really inspiring,” said Sara Hossain.
“Stories of Changes” is a production of Pathways of Women’s Empowerment and BRAC Development Institute in collaboration with Beginning. Sara Afreen is the executive producer of the documentary.

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