Private Project

570

"570" delves into the harrowing events of the early hours of August 15, 1975, when a rogue faction within the Bangladesh Army orchestrated a coup d'état, brutally extinguishing the lives of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his entire family at their residence. The cinematic narrative portrays the aftermath of this heinous act, as the iconic leader who had steered the nation to independence lies lifeless on the stairway of his home, encircled by coffins in the garage.
Amidst the chaos, "570" illuminates the somber circumstances enveloping the final resting place for Bangabandhu. The film traverses the poignant 36-hour period during which his body remained unburied, symbolizing the struggle of treacherous assassins to determine an appropriate location for his interment. Despite challenges, a decision emerges to transport him to his birthplace, Tungipara, against the backdrop of Section 144 restrictions and evacuation attempts.
The heart of the story lies in the compelling journey of Bangabandhu's body to Tungipara, entrusted to a Bangladesh Air Force helicopter and a unit of 14 armed soldiers. The killers' directive is stark: a burial devoid of religious rites, the coffin lowered using soil from the occupied Bangabhavan, the presidential residence.
Yet, amidst adversity, the indomitable spirit of the Bangladeshi people shines. An imam, granted a mere 10 minutes, remains resolute in adhering to Muslim customs for the burial. The film tenderly portrays a few resourceful workers, their reverence guiding them to employ meager means—employing "570," a detergent soap, to prepare the leader's body, draping him in a sari donated by Bangabandhu, and crafting a shroud from straw. Water from a local tank completes the ritualistic bath.
Under the imam's guidance, a discreet funeral unfolds, attended by a select few shielded by armed personnel. The helicopter pays its respects with three salutes before departing. In a poignant tableau, the troops cleanse the helicopter of the symbolic bloodstains in the Baigar river, underscoring their solemn commitment.

  • Md Ashraful Alam (Ashraf Shishir)
    Director
  • Md Ashraful Alam (Ashraf Shishir)
    Writer
  • Sham Islam
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Periodical, drama
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 42 minutes 8 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 15, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Bangladesh
  • Country of Filming:
    Bangladesh
  • Language:
    Bengali
  • Shooting Format:
    4K Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Md Ashraful Alam (Ashraf Shishir)

Ashraf Shishir's body of work is a testament to his immense talent and ability to captivate audiences. His films have been highly acclaimed both nationally and internationally, earning awards and gaining recognition at prestigious film festivals worldwide. His debut work, the feature film titled "THE INNOCENCE" (Amra Ekta Cinema Banabo), is recognized by reputable sources such as Wikipedia and The Guardian as the longest non-experimental fiction feature film ever made in world film history (https://rb.gy/gtmgy ). The film took an incredible 200 shooting days over a period of 10 years and more than 4000 artists and crews worked voluntarily on the project. "THE INNOCENCE" has been screened in 15 international film festivals in 11 countries to date. Shishir's second feature film, "THE CART" (Gaariwala), which he wrote and directed, was released in 2015 and was the recipient of a prestigious grant from the government of Bangladesh. The film has been selected in over 100 international film festivals in 33 countries and has won 26 international awards from countries such as India, Chile, Italy, Spain, and the USA, as well as the National Film Award - the highest government award for film in Bangladesh. His third feature film, "THE INNER SOUND" (Gopon), which he also wrote and directed, has received international awards from Russia and India and has been selected in over 25 international film festivals in 18 countries. Shishir's mid-length feature film, "THE UNSUNG" (Judhdhata Chilo Shadhinotar), has been screened in over 17 international film festivals to date, included at the Short Film Corner of the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. He is also currently working on a short film titled "THE F.I.F.O" and a feature film titled "THE UNPARALLELED" (Adwaita), both of which are in the work-in-progress stage. In addition to his feature films, Shishir has directed several documentaries, including "THE CAGE-BIRD" in 2012, which has been screened in 16 international film festivals in 12 countries and won an award from the USA. He has also directed television commercials and music videos, including five music videos for the popular Bangladeshi band "Shironamhin," which have received millions of views on YouTube. His social advertisement titled "THE AGED" was nominated as a finalist in an event organized by the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2018, and won the best award in two categories at the 15th Hero International Film Festival in California, USA. Shishir is the writer and producer of the feature film titled "THE LOANEE," which is currently in the work-in-progress stage. He also worked as one of the scriptwriters and directors for "THE A BILLION TO ONE" (2017-18), an international TV and web-series produced by CollabFeature, an award-winning USA-based company comprising a record-breaking team of filmmakers and creators from around the world. Furthermore, Shishir's first international feature film project as a scriptwriter is "SOHORER UPOKOTHA," an Indian production, while his upcoming historical feature film titled "570," which he scripted and directed, is set to be released soon.

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Director Statement

In the realm of filmmaking, stories serve as mirrors reflecting the tapestry of human history, struggles, and triumphs. "570" is not just a film; it's an exploration of a pivotal moment etched into the heart of a nation's identity. The events of August 15, 1975, marked an indelible chapter in Bangladesh's history, a tale of treachery and resilience, darkness and determination.

With "570," I aim to transport audiences into that fateful timeframe, to relive the echoes of those grim hours and celebrate the unwavering spirit that emerged from the shadows. Through meticulous storytelling and a visual tapestry that captures the essence of that era, we intend to pay homage to the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the spirit of Bangladesh.

This film is a tribute to the undying love and respect of the people, who, amidst adversity, gathered strength to honor their leader's last journey. The juxtaposition of personal sacrifice against the backdrop of political turmoil paints a vivid picture of the resilience that defines us as a nation.

"570" is not just about retelling history; it's about reliving emotions, inspiring introspection, and fostering a connection between generations. I believe in the power of cinema to transcend boundaries and bridge cultures, and "570" is my endeavor to translate that belief into a powerful visual narrative that will resonate with audiences worldwide.

As a filmmaker, I feel privileged to helm this project, to bring to life a story that is more than historical, more than emotional—it's a tribute to the human spirit and the indomitable will to rise above even the darkest of times. Through "570," I hope to evoke a shared sense of identity, a reminder that the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman lives on, forever shaping the course of our nation and inspiring generations to come.