As part of the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh’s 60th anniversary project 'Goethe Pop Up Festival' and to address the deteriorating conditions of the rivers in climate-vulnerable Bangladesh, a short documentary film ‘Once There Were Rivers’ was screened at Sonargaon in Narayanganj district on Thursday, November 18.
Broqué, the first upcycled high-end streetwear fashion lab in Bangladesh, premiered the short documentary film created and directed by Dhaka-based Mahenaz Chowdhury, founder and zero-waste designer of Broqué, in collaboration with Berlin-based Simone Simonato, founder of SICA Upcycling Design.
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Together with the people interviewed for the documentary film, their families and neighbours, the first screening took place at Sonargaon, Narayanganj district which was hosted by Mahenaz Chowdhury at Rajon Miah’s jamdani atelier. Miah is the owner of Sonia Jamdani, who was one of the interviewees for the documentary.
The film captures the lives of the jamdani weaving community and their connection to the river and how over the years, growing river pollution impacted the value of their revered craft.
“As time passes, we fade into dust, but films like this, tells our story for the new generations to realize the importance of caring about our lives, our rivers and value our craft. I appreciate the initiative taken by Mahenaz in making such a beautiful film,” says Rajon Miah.