Restored version of ‘Jibon Theke Neya’ to screen in Australia
Entertainment Desk :
Audiences in Australia will soon have the opportunity to watch Zahir Raihan’s iconic movie ‘Jibon Theke Neya’.
With the goal of bringing this timeless masterpiece to a younger generation, Tanim Mannan, founder of BongOz Films, spearheaded the initiative.
He secured permission from Zahir Raihan’s family to remaster the film into a 2D format, restoring the audio and adding subtitles for international audiences, said a press release.
Tanim revealed that he discussed acquiring the movie’s print with Zahir Raihan’s family before retrieving it from the Bangladesh Film Archive and taking it to Australia.
While the film had already been in Full HD (FHD) format, it had never been converted to 2D. This visual transformation has made the film even more crystal-clear, while sound quality improvements were also made.
Additionally, Tanim mentioned that he preserved the film’s DCP (Digital Cinema Package) for future screenings.
“Growing up, I remember that every February during Language Month, we watched this film with our whole families on TV. It still evokes deep nostalgia for our generation. Given its relevance today, I felt it was important to improve its quality and make it available for cinema screenings. Now, anyone who wishes can release it in theatres. That’s why I’ve prepared the DCP,” Tanim shared.
“One copy of the film is preserved in a film archive, and another DCP print has been made for the family,” he added. According to Tanim, due to its powerful message, young audiences, both at home and abroad, should watch this film.
Australian audiences will have their chance on February 23 at Campbelltown’s Dumaresq Street Cinema.
There’s also a plan for another screening on February 21 with organisers intending to pay homage to the legendary filmmaker Zahir Raihan.
‘Jibon Theke Neya,’ written, directed, and produced by the filmmaker himself under Anis Films Corporation, originally released in 1970.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Khan Ataur Rahma, Anwar Hossain, Shaukat Akbar, Rawshan Jamil, Razzak, Rozina and Amjad Hossain.