Born Together | Documentary | Shabnam Ferdousi | Arif Sonnet | Visual Storyteller

Born Together | Documentary | Shabnam Ferdousi

Behind the Lens: Journey with Documetary “Jonmo Sathi: Born Together” by Ekattor TV

Arif Sonnet, Director’s Assistant and Official Photographer

In the world of filmmaking, there are moments that change the way you perceive not just cinema, but life itself. “Jonmo Sathi: Born Together” was one such project, and I had the privilege of being not only the director’s assistant but also the official photographer for this captivating documentary.

Meet Shabnam Ferdousi, the talented director behind 'Born Together' documentary.

The Genesis of an Idea

It all started with a single birth, an idea, and a quest for identity. In 1972, when Bangladesh had just gained independence, Shabnam Ferdousi was born at the Holy Family Hospital in Dhaka. Little did she know that 12 more babies were born on that very day, and five of them were war babies. The thought that she might be one of them ignited a fire within her, leading her on a profound journey in search of her birth-mates. This journey, chronicled in "Jonmo Sathi: Born Together," raised monumental questions about life, identity, and human connections.

The Documentary Unveiled

In 2016, our hard work and dedication came to fruition when “Jonmo Sathi” premiered in Dhaka. This 90-minute documentary not only tells the story of two war children but also sheds light on the harrowing experiences of a Birangana, a survivor of the 1971 war, and her child. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to bridge gaps and heal wounds.

My Role in the Journey

As the director’s assistant, I had a front-row seat to the entire process. I witnessed the passion and determination that Shabnam Ferdousi poured into this project. It was inspiring to see her relentless pursuit of truth and her unwavering commitment to telling these stories that needed to be heard.

Capturing Moments that Speak Volumes

As the official photographer, I had the unique responsibility of freezing moments in time that would later become integral to the narrative. Every frame I captured was a piece of the puzzle, a glimpse into the lives of the people we were documenting. It was a delicate balance of being unobtrusive yet capturing the raw emotions and candid moments that make a documentary truly impactful.

The Collaborative Spirit

Behind every great documentary is a dedicated team, and “Jonmo Sathi” was no exception. From Shabnam Ferdousi’s visionary direction to Kamrul Ahsan Lelin’s masterful cinematography, every member of the team contributed their expertise to make this project a reality. Our production companies, the Liberation War Museum and Ekattor Media Ltd, provided the support and platform needed to tell these important stories.

Conclusion

“Jonmo Sathi: Born Together” is not just a documentary; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. As the director’s assistant and official photographer, I had the privilege of witnessing the journey from its inception to its premiere. It’s a journey I will always cherish, one that has deepened my appreciation for the art of filmmaking and the stories that connect us all.

In the end, it’s a reminder that every person has a story worth telling, and sometimes, those stories can change the world.

Arif Sonnet
Visual Storyteller

Story Outline:

It was 1972. Bangladesh just had her independence. Director Shabnam Ferdousi was born at Holy Family Hospital, Dhaka and 12 more babies were born in that hospital on that very day. Later, Shabnam came to know five of them were war babies. Then an idea stuck her that she could have been one of the war babies. She got obsessed with the idea and began a new journey – a journey in search of her birth-mates. She tried to explore their lives. In doing so, She came face to face with colossal questions. The documentary Jonmosathi (Born Together) tends to deal with these queries.

The film premiered in Dhaka in 2016, the 90-minute documentary is about two war children. It also tells the story of a Birangana, a 1971 rape victim, and her child.

Cast:

Sudhir Barman
Monwara Clarke
Shabnam Ferdousi

Production Details:

Director Assistant: Arif Sonnet
Director: Shabnam Ferdousi
Cinematography: Kamrul Ahsan Lelin
Genre: Documentary
Duration:1 hour 25 minutes
Production companies:
Liberation War Museum and Ekattor Media Ltd

a child born in 1971 form the still -Born Together (Jonmo Shathi)

feature on NEWS

The documentary tries to acknowledge the hardships faced by these children of war; the children of the Birangona (the Bangladeshi state uses the term to mean 'war-heroine'). As the victims spoke of their identity crisis, a shiver of shame ran through my body as helplessness took over my feelings. Shunned by society, they live a life, lost in the trauma that has haunted them from birth. The void inside them somewhat reflects on the screen, but the severity of it was confirmed during the question and answer session with Shabnam Ferdousi that followed after the screening. The insightful documentary will surely evoke new thoughts, as it explores a phase of our Liberation War that is yet to unveil the wounds deep beneath the surface of our freedom.

NEWS LINK: