Directed by Tareque Masud • 2002 • Bangladesh
Starring Nurul Haque, Russell Farazi, Jayanto Chattopadhyay
Set during the turbulent late-1960s period leading up to Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan, this lyrical drama tells the story of a family torn apart by religion and war. Anu (Nurul Islam Bablu), a shy young boy from rural East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), is sent away by his father, an orthodox Muslim, to a madrassa, or Islamic school. Far from his family and the warmth of his region’s Hindu festivities, Anu struggles to adapt to the school’s harsh monastic life. As the political divisions in the country intensify, a widening split develops between the moderate and extremist forces within the madrasah and within Anu’s own family. Touching upon themes of religious tolerance, cultural diversity, and the complexity of Islam, THE CLAY BIRD has universal relevance in a crisis-ridden world.
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ABC Africa
Directed by Abbas Kiarostami • 2001 • Iran
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Poetry
Directed by Lee Chang-dong • 2010 • South Korea
Starring Yoon Jeong-hee, Lee Da-wit, Kim Hee-raLee Chang-dong’s follow-up to his acclaimed SECRET SUNSHINE is an exquisite story about the power of art to bear witness to both sublime beauty and the violent truths that lie hidden in the hearts of ...
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Celluloid Man
Directed by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur • 2012 • India
Starring P. K. Nair, Krzysztof Zanussi, Lester James PeriesAn engaging, heartfelt look at one man’s battle to preserve his nation’s cinematic heritage, CELLULOID MAN is an intimate portrait of legendary Indian archivist P. K. Nair, who founde...
