Short film `Danggowal` depicts life along the border

A new short film, 'Danggowal', casts a spotlight on the precarious existence of people living along Bangladesh's border, where barbed-wire fences and the daily struggle for survival shape ordinary lives.

Directed by Jyotirmoy Roy, the film is based on the real-life experiences of Lalmonirhat cultural activist Shahiduzzaman Lablu. In local usage, the term 'Danggowal' refers to people involved in the cross-border movement of cattle, smuggled goods, or people. Accordingly, the narrative centres on this reality and the hardships that accompany it.

Roy said he had long planned to make a film about the lives of people in border areas and erstwhile enclaves. Subsequently, after watching one of Lablu's plays, he contacted the playwright and learned about his personal experiences and the emotional turmoil he had endured while writing it. Ultimately, these accounts inspired the film.

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The cast includes Dipak Kumar Goswami, Dilruba Doyel, Shahana Sumi, Ujjal Mia and Bidhan Roy, alongside several members of the Bhatibari Lok Natya Dal. Furthermore, according to the director, 'Danggowal' is currently being prepared for submission to international film festivals. Thereafter, the filmmakers intend to release it to general audiences on an OTT platform or YouTube.