‘Ponchosongi’ premieres at BSA today

Renowned filmmaker, Jean-Nesar Osman’s government-funded film Ponchosongi, is based on his father, eminent litterateur, Shaukat Osman’s acclaimed novel of the same title. The film revolves around the Liberation War of Bangladesh. The premiere show of ‘Ponchosongi’ will take place at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) at 11 am today. Kathashilpi Shaukat Osman Smriti Parishad and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will jointly organise the event.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, who is also the General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League, will grace the show as the chief guest. Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman and Deputy Minister of Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, will attend the event as special guests. BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky will preside over the programme.

The story of the film sheds light on various astounding activities by five street children, during the 1969 mass uprising. At that time, the children would mingle with people from different sections of the society, and they gradually became resentful about the Pakistani Army. The street children died on the black night (March 25) of 1971, while fighting with the Pakistani occupational forces.

Jean-Nesar Osman, Photo: Courtesy

Freedom fighter Jean-Nesar Osman, made one feature film and several documentaries, including the much-acclaimed, Ghora (The Horse). He also has some short films and approximately 350 ad films to his credit. He is strongly supportive of the rights of the underprivileged as well as of campaigns against ecological deterioration, cruelty to animals and denial of children’s rights. He aims to impart social messages through his films.

Jean-Nesar Osman, a DU graduate in Bengali Literature, completed a four-year diploma in Cinematography and Photo Chemistry from Pune Film and TV Institute of India. He also undertook a one-year training course on Optical Effects from ESEC in Paris. He retired from Bangladesh Television as a director in Development Programme Film Unit.