Private Project

Memories of Gloomy Monsoons

Farmer Fazlu, seeking to alleviate his wife Putul's loneliness, introduces an unconventional third member to their household—a cow. As the trio weaves an unexpected bond, an extraordinary event unfolds when Putul and her beloved cow find themselves in the throes of pregnancy simultaneously. However, joy turns to despair when tragedy strikes, claiming the life of Putul's child and leading to the untimely passing of the cherished cow post-delivery. Amidst the overwhelming heartbreak, Putul discovers a resilient spirit within herself as she embraces a newfound sense of motherhood. In an unexpected twist of fate, Putul's nurturing instincts come to the forefront as she takes Lalu, the orphaned calf left behind by her departed cow, under her wing. Through this poignant journey, Putul not only finds solace but also redefines the boundaries of love and companionship, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary families are the ones born out of unforeseen circumstances.

  • Khandaker Sumon
    Director
  • Khandaker Sumon
    Writer
  • Aynun Putul
    Key Cast
    "Putul"
  • Fazlul Haque
    Key Cast
    "Fazlu"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Saatao
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 36 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 27, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Bangladesh
  • Country of Filming:
    Bangladesh
  • Language:
    Bengali
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Khandaker Sumon

Khandaker Sumon, a distinguished Bangladeshi filmmaker, was born on February 2, 1982, in the district of Gaibandha. With a passion for storytelling through the lens, Sumon has carved a notable niche for himself in the world of Bangladeshi cinema. He has been at the forefront of the industry for a considerable period, leading his own production house, "Idea Exchange," where he has spearheaded the creation of impactful dramas and films.

Dedicated to using the medium of film for social awareness, Khandaker Sumon has contributed significantly to the industry by producing a series of ad films under the banner of Idea Exchange. These ad films not only showcase his directorial prowess but also reflect his commitment to addressing and highlighting important social issues through the powerful medium of cinema.

In his pursuit of becoming a filmmaker, Khandaker Sumon underwent professional training at the prestigious "Bangladesh Film Institute (BFI)," an institution led by the eminent filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel. Under the guidance of Mokammel, Sumon honed his skills, delving into the art and craft of filmmaking, and emerged as a promising talent in the Bangladeshi film scene.

A significant milestone in Khandaker Sumon's career is marked by the release of his debut feature film, "Saatao (Memories of Gloomy Monsoons)" in 2022. This cinematic endeavor not only showcases Sumon's directorial finesse but also introduces audiences to his unique storytelling style and artistic vision. "Saatao (Memories of Gloomy Monsoons)" serves as a testament to Khandaker Sumon's commitment to the art of filmmaking and his desire to contribute meaningfully to the cinematic landscape of Bangladesh. As a filmmaker with a social conscience and a dedication to his craft, Khandaker Sumon continues to make strides in the world of Bangladeshi cinema, leaving an indelible mark with his creative endeavors.

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Director Statement

The film Saatao (Memories of Gloomy Monsoons) is an attempt to portray the lives of marginalized people. I have spent hours of my childhood on the bank of the Teesta River where I was born.

From early years to my youth, my life circled around that river. During my adolescence, the river was the companion of my thoughts, worries and concerns. Naturally, I have been able to witness the river and the lives surrounding it very closely. I have also noticed an influence of music in all their activities. They express and process concepts such as life, death, feelings, emotions and experiences through music and spend their leisure walking on their garden of melodies. Often their songs are about advice, commands, love, heartbreak or reminiscing past events.

Presently, most of the rivers of Bangladesh have dried up and mankind is to be blamed more than nature. The river close to my childhood has not been spared either. The farmers do not get water when they need it the most during summer. While there is an abundance of water in the rain, the barricades are released. The irregularity of the water in the rivers affects their navigability. During rain, when the water is released, the rapid currents hit the banks of the river. The mighty waves devour the lands and riverine and leave them stranded. The water then turns into a flood. When the water moves away, the broken land is all that is left. This is how, gradually, the rivers are losing their navigability and gaining breadth. It affects all the lives on the shores of both people and animal. The villages of my childhood are turning into barren deserts. The farmers are quitting on farming and running towards the cities. They are getting engaged in many risky jobs in factories to earn their livelihood and often losing their lives in unfortunate accidents. A bulk of the happy, prosperous village has gone underwater and the rest of it taken by graves.

‘Saatao’ (Memories of Gloomy Monsoons) is not just a film to me. It is my heartfelt precipitation that I wish everyone could feel the way I do.