A documentary exploring the journey of pioneering Bangladeshi portrait photographer Nasir Ali Mamun, who is notable for his distinctive style of portraiture, was premiered at the auditorium of the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Friday.
The 62-minute-long film, titled 鈥楴asir Ali Mamun: In Praise of Shadows鈥�, delves into the life and legacy of Nasir Ali Mamun.
It is directed by an expatriate British - Bangladeshi filmmaker Makbul Chowdhury under the banner of Kolakar Productions in Bengali language while British musician Jack Bloor framed music for the film.
Historian Badruddin Umar inaugurated the programme. Professor emeritus of Dhaka University Serajul Islam Choudhury was present as chief guest and noted filmmaker Morshedul Islam were present as special guests at the inaugural ceremony.
The documentary film illustrates and explores various aspects of Nasir Ali Mamun鈥檚 creative work as well as his role in the development of portrait photography in Bangladesh.
He captured photographs of the country鈥檚 founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Jashimuddin, SM Sultan, Kamrul Hasan, Mother Teresa, Les Walesa, Mikhail Gorbachev, Desmond Tutu, Bill Clinton and many more.
Regarding the film, director Makbul Chowdhury said, 鈥楩or the last five years, I have been living with this film - and finally, we have successfully premiered the film in front of the audience. This documentary is an illustrative work on the life and work of Nasir Ali Mamun, a photographer who captured my interest since I was a teenager.鈥�
Serajul Islam Chowdhury said, 鈥楽ocial work and cultural practice have become separate nowadays. Although the world is driven by profit, Mamun took photographs for his pleasure. Makbul also directed this film out of his responsibility to society and culture. I congratulate both of them.鈥�
Badruddin Umar said, 鈥楴asir Ali Mamun took photographs of many renowned individuals and he did not make any profit from it. I request him to depict the mass people of the country.鈥�
