The Bigger Picture

Khijir Hayat Khan
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This is the second time that I am away from Bangladesh. The last time was when I had left to pursue my undergraduate degrees in Economics and Environmental Studies from Hamline University in Minnesota, USA back in 2002. This time it is for my Masters in Digital Media at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Coming from a middle class family from the small town of Comilla, I consider myself very lucky to have the opportunity to chase my dream and come to a North American university. Credit goes to the solid foundation I received from studying in Sylhet Cadet College. I was asked to write about how important education and research can be when it comes to the Arts. My answer to that question will be a little different than the rest, as I evolved from a banker to a filmmaker, chasing my wildest dream.

Before I joined my Master's programme, I had made two feature films, Astitey Amar Desh (2007) and Jaago (2010). Often I am asked why I opted for a Master's instead of continuing filmmaking since I already had the first hand experience. It is a tricky question but I do have some solid reasons for my choice to pursue higher education. First of all, there is of course, no end to what you can learn, especially when you are living in a continuously changing environment like ours. In the field of Arts and especially filmmaking, the technology is rapidly changing and it is only education that can keep one up to the pace.

I always tell people when I made my first feature film, that I did not know a thing about filmmaking; I made my second one knowing a little about it, and I would like to make my third when I do know enough. Why? When I returned to Bangladesh in 2006 all set to become a filmmaker, all I was armed with was a strong desire to make films and lots of enthusiasm. However, I learnt that is not enough to master the very challenging craft that filmmaking is. With the convenience of technology, nowadays anybody can be a filmmaker. The lack of a proper education can be the most important missing piece in the puzzle. What education gives is confidence, and confidence is essential in filmmaking or any sort of creative arts. Education constructs the basic foundation. It is the root of all the power a human being can be gifted with. It is thus that I joined my Master's to make sure that the next time when I roll my camera, it captures the right frames with the utmost clarity and with the highest level of confidence. I want to make sure as an artiste, I am good at what I do and there is no room of error from my perspective. I should be able to tell that I have done everything possible in my part to make sure every frame I capture is pure and it comes right from the heart. A proper institutional education makes all of that possible.

Many may not share my opinion; some may be thinking of a few famous filmmakers who did not have any degree on filmmaking. However, it is wise to pursue what one loves together with a solid education. Today when I sit in class with other filmmakers or digital designers I get to experience a different world, a world that is pure and filled with creativity driven by the wonder of technology. I know there are many out there in Bangladesh who are much more talented than I am but have not been as lucky as myself. I cannot bring any of them here to experience what I am living but what I can do is make use of my opportunity and take the knowledge back to share with them. I believe the best way to honour your education or whatever you have learned is by sharing it with others.

I know the Bangladesh film industry is struggling. We have boundless potential but we do not have the proper infrastructure to nurture it. We need to rebuild and regain our lost glory. Someday I plan to return to Bangladesh with a dream to start a proper film school besides making films where others can come and learn in a great environment full of creativity. In order to do that, I need to make sure I know well enough to start the balls rolling in the proper direction.

There is nothing in this world bigger and stronger than the power of solid education. Passion for something is good but in order to make your passion a profession one has to be an enlighten human being. We only get to live one life and we have to do the things we want to and make sure we do it the right way and for all the right reasons.

I believe, as a nation, we have immense potential but our potential can only be achieved when we educate ourselves and share the knowledge among others. As a filmmaker I want to make sure I do my part, and I encourage all those who are reading this to do the same.

(The writer is a Bangladeshi film maker and is currently pursuing a Masters in Digital Media at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.)