Shongram (Struggle) | World Premiere

Director: Munsur Ali
Starring: Anupam Kher, Asia Argento, Amaan Reza, Dilruba Yasmeen Ruhee.
Run time: 103 mins | Recommended Certificate: 15
Language: Bangla with English subtitles | Year: 2014 | Country: Bangladesh / UK

In this powerful romantic drama set during the 1971 liberation struggle of Bangladesh, a London reporter interviews a British Bengali on his deathbed, where four decades later, Karim is able to recall and finally share his past. We are transported to 1971, when Bangladesh was still East Pakistan and a young Karim (a Muslim) is in love with a beautiful Asha (a Hindu). Their peaceful village life is suddenly interrupted by war and Karim must grow up fast to survive in an era where mass killings and abduction was common. He must also carry out his duty to his people and seek revenge before he can finally search for Asha, who has gone missing. Bangladesh’s stunning vistas are captured as never seen before and act as a counterpoint to the brutal horrors of war. Profound, potent and poignant, the emotional swoop of this mesmerising film will enthral, entertain and educate in equal measure.