Lavazza Italian Film Festival presents Bangla, a quirky romantic comedy film that is Directed by and starring Phaim Bhuiyan and also features romantic interest Carlotta Antonelli as Asia. This film provides a fresh take on modern romance with a twenty-two year old Bangladeshi boy and an Italian girl falling in love. The protagonist and man behind the film Phaim, is a unique character that wants to feel intimacy with a woman despite his Muslim religious background that advises him not to engage in such activities before marriage.
In regards to the genre of Bangla, I would describe it to be closer to an independent art house film. The reason I feel this way about Bangla is because it has a certain rhythm and style that makes it feel a bit different to a typical comedy and drama film you would typically see in cinemas today. Bangla feels like Italy’s answer to Little Miss Sunshine or Ghost World, it feels like a film of it’s own and whilst it plays to common conventions it still allows the breathing room to sink your teeth into the content.
This eighty-four minute feature film is short and sweet. Not only does it feature a quirky lead character that is very keen to experience romance in his life but we also have some very memorable moments throughout. Phaim is an art gallery ‘security officer’ of sorts and at one point in the film love interest Asia starts toying with his feelings by setting off alarms in the installation space which ultimately puts him into a state of awe.
This cross-cultural flick is all about using your heart. Whether you come across a love interest outside of your cultural or religious bounds this film simply promotes that it is always worth exploring and learning to love someone new. In some cases this doesn’t always work out, but with a little luck like in Bangla and a whole lot of love comes a unique pair of individuals that see themselves together despite a myriad of obstacles.
The two characters originate from very different cultural, but also family, backgrounds which makes for an interesting story and this is where Bangla comes to the forefront. Throughout the film Phaim addresses the camera himself, speaking of his family members, his day-to-day life and revealing his innermost thoughts. This is another aspect that is important in this feel-good flick, and that is being able to connect with the protagonist as a person. Whilst Phaim is quite unusual and drools over the mere image of a woman that doesn’t stop him from seeking more out of life and determining his own destiny for a change.
Give this one a watch while you can as Bangla really is one of a kind. Take a journey into the unknown and try a new flavour of romantic comedy. Don’t wait for the DVD, watch it now as the best time to watch the film is on the big screen where you can soak up all the action for what it’s worth. So what are you waiting for? Go on - watch Bangla!
PALACE JAMES ST
PALACE BARRACKS
Joanna Letic