The New Nation - Internet Edition

Entertainment Report

The inaugural screening of a documentary film The Road to Kansat made by Tareque and Catherine Masud at 4:00pm at the Shawkat Osman Auditorium of the Central Public Library on October 9.

The documentary, made over the past two years, is painstaking reconstruction of the events surrounding the historic non-violent struggle for fair access to electricity in the township of Kansat in Rajshahi. The Kansat movement lasted for nine months, starting in September 2005 and ending in April 2006, when the then government capitalised to the citizen's demands. The film, which combines interviews with the movement leaders and archrival footage of key events, was made with support from Manusher Jonno, the Asia Foundation and BLAST. On the occasion of the film's premier, Kansat movement leader Golam Rabbani will be present as chief guest, while other guests and activists will be also there.

Therefore, a special screening of the film to be held on October 10 at 4:00pm at the British Council Auditorium followed by a brief discussion with eminent guests.

Synopsis of The Road to Kansat:

Over a nine-month period between September 2005 and April 2006, an extraordinary people's movement took place in the town of Kansat in Rajshahi. What began as a small-scale attempt to reform the local electricity administration evolved into a full-blown mass struggle for justice and an end to corruption? Women played a central role in this movement, which was unique in its non-violent character, even in the face of overwhelming and deadly by the authorities. "The Road to Kansat' is an attempt to explore the history of the Kansat movement, and its positive legacy in the continuing struggle for justice and democracy.