Dibashram is my first ever video project, created in 2017 after I attended a documentary filmmaking course. This documentary features a Bangladeshi community that I got to know in Singapore. Dibashram, which translates to “day shelter”, is founded by Mohsin, a Bangladeshi publisher of Banglar Kantha, a Bengali news publication.

Mohsin opens up his office space to fellow Bangladeshi people living in Singapore, especially migrant workers. During the weekends and public holidays, his office transforms into a home away from home, where migrant workers gather to play music, meet old and new friends, and find solace in this foreign land. My documentary catches a glimpse of this vibrant community that reclaim their identities through music and poetry.

Looking back at this, there are many aspects of the documentary that reveal my amateur status at the time of making. But technicality aside, I am proud of this work because the Dibashram community is. I am very grateful that the community warmly welcomed me into their world and treated me like family, generously sharing their music, poetries and time with me. It was also truly inspiring for me to witness their talents and dedication in their craft, an embodiment of how the arts keeps one alive in spirit.

Dibashram was selected to be screened at San Diego Film Festival in 2017 as well as Freedom Film Festival 2018 (Singapore). It was also nominated for the National Youth Film Awards 2017: Non-Media Category.

—

Special thanks to mentors Thomas Morgan and Suraj