Animated Film Based on Begum Rokeya’s ‘Sultana’s Dream’ Coming to Dhaka

Staff Report: PNN

An animated film based on Begum Rokeya’s unique literary and feminist work ‘Sultana’s Dream’ will soon be released in cinemas in Dhaka. Directed by Spanish filmmaker Isabel Ergüera, the film will be shown in Bangladesh through Star Cineplex.

Last Wednesday, Star Cineplex announced on social media that Dhaka audiences will soon enjoy “Sultana’s Dream” on the big screen. While the release date is not yet finalized, January 16 is a likely date.

The Spanish title of this 2023 animated film is El Sueño de la Sultana. Begum Rokeya’s original story was first published in 1905 in The Indian Ladies’ Magazine from Madras. Later it became known in Bengali as Sultanar Swapno. The story, over a century old, presents a woman-centered utopia to convey strong messages against social and gender inequality.

Director Isabel Ergüera said that in 2012, she saw a copy of Sultana’s Dream at an art gallery in New Delhi. The depth and global significance of the story moved her profoundly, inspiring her to make an animated film.

The world premiere took place on September 24, 2023, at the San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain, followed by a Spanish theatrical release on November 17, 2023. Since then, it has been screened in over 15 countries including India, Germany, France, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The release in Bangladesh holds special significance, allowing audiences to experience Begum Rokeya’s literary vision through international animation—a celebration of literary heritage and a new representation of Bangladesh in world cinema.