As the ongoing 54th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) reached the halfway mark on Thursday, the focus was on two films directed by foreigners about Bangladesh —“Fereshteh” featuring critically acclaimed actor Jaya Ahsan in the title role and “Mighty  Afrin: In The Time of Flood.”

Directed by Iran’s Morteza Atashzamzam, “Fereshteh” had its world premiere at the 54th IFFI under the “Cinema of the World” category. 

Morteza, along with Bangladeshi actor Sumon Faruque, interacted with the media, delegates, and cine enthusiasts on Thursday.

A joint venture production of Iran and Bangladesh, “Fereshteh” is the story of a couple Afrin (played by Jaya Ahsan) and her husband Amjad (played by Sumon), a poor rickshaw-puller in Dhaka, who battle to get what they want in life.

Morteza said that through “Fereshteh” he tried to connect with the people and their pain by listening to his heart. The film was made with this philosophy by a small team and within a limited budget, he pointed out.

Talking about the motivation behind the filmmaking, he said, “When we love something, we are ready to face any challenge and overcome any difficulty.”

Sharing his experience in acting in “Fereshteh,” Sumon said being a businessman by profession it was challenging for him to mould himself for the role of Amjad. 
To prepare himself for the role, he said, he bought a rickshaw and started pulling it after his office hours. 

The actor added that to do justice to his character he started pulling a rickshaw during the daytime to get his skin tanned as well.

Sumon said he feels an actor should live the character to feel the emotions and portray them in the most authentic manner.

If “Fereshteh” portrays the struggle of the poor in an urban setting, Greek director Angelos Rallis’ “Mighty Afrin: In the Time of Floods” portrays the catastrophic effects of climate change and floods in Bangladesh and how people cope with them.

“This movie is a road trip of over five years during which I had to wear a lungi, walk barefoot, and work with village elders to gain their trust and confidence,” the director said.

“Mighty Afrin: In the Time of Floods" tells the tale of 12-year-old Afrin as she navigates the tumultuous waters of the Brahmaputra River and the challenges of a changing world. 

Set against the backdrop of the disappearing mud islands along the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh, the narrative follows Afrin's journey as she embarks on a perilous voyage toward Dhaka in search of her estranged father amidst the devastating floods that threaten to engulf her home.

Angello Rallis said Afrin represents the unwavering determination and courage of the marginalised people for survival. In the film, Afrin is shown facing the harsh consequences of climate change and the resultant displacement. Afrin's unwavering courage and resilience shine through, providing a beacon of hope amidst the adversity she faces.

The Greek director called for urgently addressing the issues of climate change and the attendant threats it poses to the entire planet. 

The film, he added, is the outcome of his interests in and knowledge of photography, ethnology, and anthropology.