Urdu poet's film shown in India after 53 years

Kolkata, Jan 12 (IANS) "Jago Hua Savera", Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz's first film as a writer which was released in Pakistan in 1958, was shown for the first time in India in a special screening organized here Thursday.

The Pakistani film, directed by A.J. Kardar and written by Manik Bandopadhay, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and A.J. Kardar, was shown at a special screening at Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF) 2012.

The film was introduced by Faiz's daughter Salima Hashmi - a leading painter and writer of Pakistan.

The occasion also marked the birth centenary of the noted poet.

The 87-minute-long archival film revolves around a section of people, mainly fishermen of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The film highlights the human weaknesses, strengths, and their undaunted, undefeatable spirit. It mournfully depicts the plight of Lal Mian, a fisherman who struggles to build a boat.

The mood of the film is simple, serious and straightforward as the family members are shown trying to get money to buy the boat they need. The hopelessness of their objective has been graphically underscored by the conditions in which they live.

The film reflects the socialist ideology through the struggle of the people.

"The film has a Pakistan-Kolkata connection, renowned Bengali actress of those times Tripti Mitra has acted in this film. I am really happy that I am able to screen this film in Kolkata," Hashmi said.