9th death anniversary of Tareque Masud and Mishuk Munier today

Today marks 9th year of the tragic accident in which noted filmmaker Tareque Masud and cinematographer Ashfaque Munier Mishuk passed away. Commemorating the day, Tareque Masud Memorial Trust (TMMT) and Moviyana Film Society have jointly organised a two-day programme.

The event commenced yesterday with a webinar discussion with filmmaker and Chairperson of TMMT, Catherine Masud, film researcher Professor Fahmidul Haq, journalist Asif Munier, filmmaker Proshoon Rahmaan, Moviyana Film Society president Belayet Hossain Mamun.

The famed duo at work.

Tareque Masud, who is considered as an avant garde filmmaker, was also a well-documented personality. Fahmidul Haq presented a deconstruction of the Masud's film philosophy, crediting the late filmmaker's oratory skills. Haq mentioned that Masud's film philosophy had pedagogical quality. "The narrative of the liberation war and the reflection of contemporary history that Masud presented in his films are unparalleled", he said. 

Journalist Asif Munier, who is also the younger brother of Mishuk Munier, shared various anecdotes about the filmmaker duo. Recalling the making of Adam Surat with pioneer artist S M Sultan, he said, "The chemistry between Tareque bhai and Mishuk was impeccable. They could read each other very well." He also mentioned Mishuk Munir's attempt to contribute to the audio-visual unit of various institutions of the country, speaking about the need of restoration of their works and institutionalising them for the future generation.

"Mishuk was the first person I was introduced with by Tareque," recalls Catherine, who is also Tareque Masud's wife. She also mentioned that courage was a common quality between the two. "No matter how complicated the situation, they faced it together and came out on top. That courage is something that has remained with me, even after their passing." Catherine talked about how their 10 year old son, Nishad, presented his father's story in a school project.

Filmmaker Proshoon Rahmaan worked closely with the duo. He mentioned the four books, which are indispensable to know the works of the filmmaker-- Cholocchitro Jatra – a collection of articles on Tareque Masud, Cholochitrolekha - a music and script collection, Cholochitrokotha -- a selected interview collection on Tareque Masud; and a special book titled Tareque Masud: Life and Dreams. Proshoon also mentioned the audio-visual production of Adam Surat, which he believes is an excellent collection that not only gives insight of artist S M Sultan, but also is a reflection of the filmmaker's journey.

Today, a candle-lighting ceremony will be held at the memorial installation in memory of Tareque Masud and Mishuk Munier at TSC, Dhaka University. "We shall also remember all the victims who have lost their lives in road accidents," said Moviyana Film Society president Belayet Hossain Mamun.