Selfscapes: An Exploration Through Page, Lens, Screen & Pen by Murshida Zaman & Reasat Jyoti

The date is April 26. On Saturday, we are going to open ourselves, starting with a reading from the book "Ustandseligt forår" — "The Unstoppable Spring" in English or Bangla (the first language of the book) "Oprotiroddho Bosonoto". Murshida will read in Bangla, and Magda will read the Danish version.

Following this, we will have a short break to grab our choice of warm drinks. Moving forward, we will experience two short films: 

Toshok - The Mattress, an ecofiction where the lead character Khuku grows up with a tree and suddenly her world of green comes to an end. She then starts a journey where her desires and dreams break apart in her life. Later, we will experience the extraordinary journey of a persecuted artist who had to leave their own country to save their life and then adapt to different cultural aspects. A Q&A session will follow the screening.

After a bit of relaxation, we will move ahead with a writing workshop led by Murshida Zaman, where you will explore your inner self and learn to bring it out on paper. Whether walking outside or sitting in the room, you will see, feel, or smell everything around you, and we look forward to listening to your thoughts at the end of the workshop.

Looking at some photos of humans or nature, what are the stories behind those photos? A dream or an escape? A virtual photography exhibition by Reasat Jyoti where you are the judges. Q&A is welcome after.

Program Outline

Total time: 3 Hours

• Starts with Reading: Murshida & Magda (Bangla & Danish) - 30 Minutes
• Break and Film Screening: Repercuss/Toshok-The Mattress - 20 Minutes + 10 Minutes Q&A
• Writing Workshop: Murshida & Reasat (Assisting) - Required Pen/Pencil & Paper - 30 Minutes
• Break and Film Screening/Photo Exhibition (Virtual) - 20 Minutes
• Choose your topic for writing: Walk outside or pick available topics from the venue - 10 Minutes
• Start writing: 20 Minutes
• Read what you write: Who is the best writer, gift/souvenir? - 20/30 Minutes
• End of the workshop: Farvel

Who are Murshida Zaman and Reasat Hasan?

Murshida Zaman is an author, filmmaker, and human rights activist. With an MA in Bengali Literature from Eden University, Dhaka, she has published poetry, short stories, and novels, including Butterfly of Invisible Shadow (2016) and Unstoppable Spring (2023). 

As a filmmaker, her work has been screened globally, and she has directed films addressing issues like child marriage and the COVID-19 pandemic. Zaman's latest short story collection, Unstandseligt forår (2024), is her first work in Danish.

Reasat Hasan is a photographer, filmmaker, film critic, and writer whose practice explores the intersections of storytelling, travel, and visual art. Hasan's work has been featured in various exhibitions, publications, and films, including Repercuss (2024) and Laila (2020). Hasan studied photo composition and graphic design and holds additional certifications in hospitality management and catering. He has performed as an actor in short films and is a published poet and essayist, contributing to platforms such as Shampratik Deshkal.