Sultana’s Dream comes alive at BracU

On December 11th, Brac University campus transformed into a space of reflection as the School of General Education hosted a special screening of the animated film, Sultana’s Dream. Directed by Spanish filmmaker Isabel Herguera, the film reimagines Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain’s 1905 feminist classic. The event, held to mark Begum Rokeya Day, was attended by students, faculty, and notable guests, including the film’s director, Isabel Herguera, and music composer Moushumi Bhowmik. The screening offered the audience a unique lens into ‘Ladyland,’ a world where gender roles are reversed, and women lead with science and wisdom while men remain in seclusion.

Herguera’s adaptation follows Inés, a Spanish artist who stumbles upon Rokeya’s book in India and starts a journey of self-discovery. Speaking about her creative process, Herguera shared, “When I first read that Begum Rokeya envisioned a world with reversed roles where men stayed home, I thought, ‘What a revolutionary statement.’” For Herguera, the core themes of safety and dignity transcend borders. She explained her distinct aesthetic choices, noting, “I was fascinated by the mehndi tradition and felt that using it to tell the story symbolically related beautifully to Ladyland.” She added that shadow puppets were used to honour the pre-cinema era of Rokeya’s childhood.

The soundscape of the film, crafted by Moushumi Bhowmik, added another emotional layer to the experience. Calling the BracU screening a “heartwarming experience,” Bhowmik stressed that Rokeya’s legacy is not just about dreaming but about acting on those dreams in everyday life. “Rokeya teaches us not only to dream but also to act,” Bhowmik remarked.

The screening concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students interacted with the creators. Pulina Chakma (Sophomore, ENH) shared her enthusiasm, “It was absolutely wonderful to watch the film. I was absolutely fascinated by the animation style and got to experience Moushumi Bhowmik’s live singing. I’ve always been her fan.”  As Herguera observed, Sultana’s Dream is a vision that must be fought for by “living it” through daily actions. By bridging the gap between 1905 Bengal and modern animation, the film reminds that the quest for equality remains as vital today as it was a century ago.