‘Sabitri’ to premiere at 22nd DIFF tomorrow

The highly anticipated film "Sabitri," depicting the realities of the Liberation War and its aftermath, is set to premiere at 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) tomorrow.

Produced with government funding and directed by Pantho Prasad, the film has been eagerly awaited as the centerpiece of the "Bangladesh Panorama" segment during the film festival.

The storyline revolves around Sabitri, a valiant female freedom fighter, focusing on the struggles of tea labourers during the tumultuous period of 1971. Sabitri's life was marked by uncertainties during the war, and as the newly independent country initiated trials for war criminals, she took on the role of a witness, tirelessly fighting to protect Sabitri and her war-born child Mongol from the clutches of adversity.

The screenplay for the film was penned by Tushar Abdullah, blending the narratives of sacrifices made by women during the 1971 Liberation War and the legal battles against war criminals in the 21st century.

About the challenges, Pantho Prasad said, "Sabitri has been a labour of love for our entire team. We faced financial challenges, compounded by the hurdles imposed by the pandemic. Despite setbacks, the team persevered, and we are proud to present the film to the audience."

The film, premiering at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's Art Gallery Auditorium, weaves together two distinct time periods.

Sabitri features performances by Rokeya Prachy, Ananta Hira, Baishakhi Ghosh, Saikat Siddiqui, Shahriar Bokul, Baidya Nath Saha and many more.

The film is poised to make its mark at the 22nd DIFF, offering a poignant narrative of hidden emotions and struggles against oppression.