Culture

Batalha presents a scheduled cycle with the Bengali community living in Porto

  • Article

    Article

The first edition of the “Vizinhos” project of Batalha Cinema Centre culminates with a film cycle and the celebration of International Mother Language Day. “Vizinhos” is a biannual project that aims to establish habits of sharing and connection between Batalha and the people who live in its proximity.

The first edition of the “Batalhawood” project has been developed in collaboration with neighbours with roots in Bangladesh, one of the oldest and most expressive immigrant communities in Porto.

After work supported by visits, surveys and meetings, two films from Dhallywood, a film industry based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, will be presented and selected together with the Bengali population and the Bangladesh Community Association.

In the two works, the predominant and traditional universes of the Dhallywood industry known for uniting music, romance and action cinema intersect. On February 17, at 9:15 pm, “Aynabaji” (2016), by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, is shown, with the presentation of Alam Shah Kazol, president of the Bangladesh Community Association of Porto.

The next day, at the same time, and with a national premiere, will be presented “Operation Sundarban” (2022), by Dipankar Dipon

On February 21, Batalha hosts International Mother Language Day, a date of special historical importance for Bengali culture and language — a moment that sets the return of this event to Batalha, where it was held.

This day of celebration includes the award of the Interculturality Awards 2022 and is promoted by the Bangladesh Community Association and Espaço T.

Admission to all events is free, upon ticket withdrawal on the same day of the session.