To commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh, also known as Bijoy Dibas, UK-based charity Bengal Heritage Foundation (BHF) organised a screening of Bay of Blood, a documentary shedding light on the events between March and December 1971 that led to the creation of Bangladesh. The screening took place in a packed auditorium at Vue West End in London’s Leicester Square on December 15. Written and directed by Krishnendu Bose and produced by Bose and his wife, Madhurima Sen Bose, the film captures the “untold suffering and resilience of millions of people” during one of the most sordid periods in the history of the 20th century.
‘This project is a bridge that unites the people of the two Bengals’
The BHF team at the screening in London along with Vikram Doraiswami (second from left), Saida Muna Tasneem (third from left) and Krishnendu Bose (sixth from left) Bengal Heritage Foundation
According to BHF, “the screening showcased the enduring bonds of kinship forged during the Bangladesh War, paying tribute to the extraordinary sacrifices made by the common people of Bangladesh in defence of their heritage and identity”. “In the heart of London, the screening of Bay of Blood (trailer here) is a celebration of more than just the art of cinema. This project is a bridge that unites the people of the two Bengals, weaving together the rich tapestry of our shared heritage and common language. Through the lens of creativity, we transcend borders, echoing the harmony that binds us across India and Bangladesh. Bay of Blood isn’t merely a film. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling in fostering unity and understanding between diverse cultures united by the common language of Bengali,” remarked Suranjan Som, president, BHF. The screening was attended by several dignitaries, including Vikram Doraiswami, the high commissioner of India to the UK; and Saida Muna Tasneem, the high commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK.
Sourav Niyogi, trustee of BHF, welcomed the guests at Vue by noting: “This screening not only reflects our commitment to preserving historical narratives, but also emphasises the importance of collective remembrance. It's heartening to witness the unity that stems from acknowledging our shared history.”
Bose’s film has a runtime of 95 minutes and was shown in Delhi and Dhaka before its London premiere Bengal Heritage Foundation
“It’s a really emotional moment for all of us now that the story of this film is being told to the world. We’ve already had premieres of the film in Delhi and Dhaka and are very excited to have had the screening here in London. A big thank you to BHF for organising this and getting all of us together to make this international premier possible,” said Bose, based in Delhi, who has previously made award-winning films on wildlife conservation and climate justice. With a runtime of around 95 minutes, Bay of Blood dovetails archival footage as well as colour-treated shots of contemporary Bangladesh with the stories of freedom fighters, diplomats, journalists, academics and defectors.
“Watching the film was a captivating experience. A houseful audience was left spellbound by the storytelling,” observed Nirmal Nag, BHF member. As part of its “steadfast commitment to preserving and promoting the heritage of Bengal”, BHF aims to host more such initiatives that highlight the history connecting India and Bangladesh.
