Can we finally see the films lost in censorship?

On the tragic morning of 24 April, 2013, Bangladesh was plunged into sorrow as the Rana Plaza building in Savar collapsed, claiming over a thousand lives and leaving countless others injured. The catastrophe shook the nation and drew global attention. For 17 days, the world watched in awe, especially as Reshma, a garment worker, was miraculously rescued. This harrowing event inspired filmmaker Nazrul Islam Khan to create the movie 'Rana Plaza'.

"Most garment factory workers come from impoverished backgrounds. My goal was to raise awareness about safety and self-protection during disasters. Despite initial financial hurdles, we eventually overcame them," said Nazrul. 

Although the film was completed within a year,  just on the eve of its release, a government ban was imposed on 'Rana Plaza'. Despite a court order lifting the ban, government intervention kept the film shelved for nearly nine years. 

Nazrul revealed that the film's fate was sealed by the powerful lobbying of the BGMEA, the garment owners' association. During that time, BGMEA leader Siddiqur Rahman had reportedly approached him with a request—to withdraw the appeal he had filed in the High Court, an appeal that sought to lift the ban on his film. But Nazrul stood firm, unwilling to give up the fight. Rahman was unreachable for a comment.

"Had I withdrawn the appeal, I would have had nothing left to stand on," Nazrul shared. The High Court eventually ruled in his favour, allowing the film to be screened. Yet, just as hope was within reach, a government ban was slapped on the film the night before its release. 

"From that moment, my life took a sharp, difficult turn," said Nazrul.

Similarly, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki aimed to shed light on another dark chapter in Bangladesh's history with his film 'Shonibar Bikel'. The film, which recounts the 2016 Holey Artisan attack, was banned by the Bangladesh Film Censor Board. The board claimed the film tarnished the country's image and had the potential to incite religious clashes, despite the fact that it had been screened at numerous film festivals around the world.

Nazrul and Farooki's anguish mirrors the voice of other directors in the country who have suffered similar fates when it comes to attaining censorship certificates for their films during the Hasina- led government. Aung Rakhine's 'My Bicycle', Raihan Rafi's 'Amimangshito' Anonno Mamun 'Makeup', and Enamul Karim Nirjhar's 'Namuna' are only some of the titles that could not make it to the silver screen, just like 'Rana Plaza' and 'Shonibar Bikel'.

For years personnel associated with the industry have cited corruption, favouritism and a whole heap of other factors for which their films were deemed 'unfit for release'. However, with the nation undergoing political evolution, industry professionals hope for a reformed censorship board.

The recent change in government has ignited hope among filmmakers like Nazrul, whose film is yet to see the light of day.

Nahid Islam, the new Telecommunications, and Information Technology Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh recently stated he plans to restructure the Censor Board and review the CyberSecurity Act, which is infamous for hindering freedom of speech.

"The darkness has passed, and I see the light of day. I think I might finally be able to release the film. Making this movie consumed all my focus, and I couldn't devote my energy to anything else," says Nazrul.

Films stuck over the years

Three months ago, the Bangladesh Film Censor Board declared Raihan Rafi's film 'Amimangshito' unfit for release, outlining four key objections in an official letter. 

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting cited concerns over the film's violent scenes and its fictional narrative, which closely mirrors real-life events, specifically the targeted killings of journalists Sagar and Runi, and ongoing court cases. Officials feared the film might send the wrong message and disrupt ongoing investigations.

Rafi shared his disappointment, explaining, "We were initially informed by the Censor Board that our film was set to receive an uncut certificate, but the process was abruptly halted. With the new government in place, I believe there will be less corruption, and we plan to reapply for the film's release."

Expressing his frustration, Rafi added, "The board rejected the film because it too closely mirrored reality. However, all films reflect life to some extent, so banning it for that reason seems unfair. I'm hopeful we'll soon be able to release 'Amimangshito'."

On 26 February, a Ministry official informed Rafi that 'Amimangshito,' which was scheduled for release on 29 February through the local OTT platform iScreen, had been banned, despite extensive promotion and no existing censorship regulations for OTT content at the time. The news devastated Rafi. He reflected, "This has been a financial and emotional blow, but with the new government, I remain hopeful and plan to appeal soon."

The film 'Makeup,' directed by Anonno Mamun, was also banned two years ago after the censor board deemed it unsuitable for release. The film, which depicts the dark side behind the glamour of the entertainment industry, was prohibited for portraying the country's film industry in a negative light. 

Anonno Mamun challenged the censorship, saying, "There are no rules for banning a film. Board members can offer observations, but the film should still be released. Banning a film is like killing a director's dream." 

He remains hopeful that under the new government, 'Makeup' will receive the censor certificate it deserves, emphasising that the censor board and Film Development Corporation should remain free from political influence.

Young filmmaker Aung Rakhine encountered censorship issues with his debut Chakma-language film My Bicycle'. Submitted in 2015, the 64-minute film still lacks a censor certificate due to the board's demand for a 25-minute cut, which Rakhine refused. After nine years of delay, he has lost interest in pursuing its release. 

Yet, on 9 August, Aung's film had an open screening for the public to watch at Sohrawardy Udyan.

Farooki's 'Shonibar Bikel' has also faced years of delays. Despite social media outcry and a censor board hearing, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting later declared the film's release uncertain, though Farooki remains hopeful audiences will eventually see it.

Recently, speaking from abroad, Farooki remarked, "No film should be held back. The culture of silencing people, gagging the media, and stifling filmmakers must end in Bangladesh." 

Another film on the banned list is Enamul Karim Nirjhar's 'Namuna', a government-funded film made 15 years ago. Despite being highly praised for his previous work, 'Aha,' Nirjhar's second directorial effort, which delves into Bangladesh's social and political realities, has been stuck in limbo. Frustrated by the prolonged censorship, Nirjhar eventually stopped discussing the film altogether.