Oct. 13, 2020|Bangladesh | France|100 Min.|R
Genre: Bangla;Drama;Mystery;Reality
Description: Rezwan Shahriar Sumit’s contemplative debut, *The Salt in Our Waters*, explores profound themes of climate change, politics, and religion with subtlety and grace. The film made its debut at the London Film Festival, garnering significant attention and setting the stage for an awareness campaign around Earth Day in April 2021. With support from influential figures like Spike Lee, who mentored Sumit and contributed to the screenplay’s development, the film is poised for a meaningful journey.
The story follows Rudro, a charismatic and enthusiastic artist played by Titas Zia, who leaves his urban life in Dhaka for a remote fishing village in the Ganges Delta. Rudro’s journey is marked by the transport of a large crate containing his sculptures, which he describes as his “universe.” These pieces, crafted from memory and imagination, include a cherished bust of his mother. However, the village’s warm welcome quickly fades when the villagers, a strictly Muslim community, view his statues with suspicion and fear. Rudro’s repeated explanations that these are art pieces with no religious significance only add to his growing frustration.
As Rudro integrates into the community, he uncovers the village’s dynamics, dominated by the self-serving imam, Chairman, portrayed by renowned Bangladeshi actor Fazlur Rahman Babu. Chairman maintains control through a system of oppressive loans and exorbitant interest rates, forcing the villagers to fish daily, even during perilous monsoons. The shoreline, littered with remnants of past storms, serves as a stark reminder of nature’s relentless power.
*The Salt in Our Waters* is a visually striking and thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of human resilience and environmental challenges, making it a compelling watch.
Cast director: Rezwan Shahriar Sumit
Cast actor: Titas Zia, Tasnova Tamanna, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Shatabdi Wadud, Ashok Bepari, Dulari Tahim
Original name: নোনা জলের কাব্য