The long-dormant debate over the fate of the unfinished masterpiece, "Let There Be Light," by renowned Bangladeshi filmmaker Zahir Raihan, has been reignited following a resolute statement from his family.
In an unequivocal declaration, Zahir Raihan's son, Anol Raihan, asserted the family's firm opposition to any attempt to complete the film, regardless of the stature of the director involved. Anol Raihan's stance, expressed vehemently through social media and subsequent public statements, firmly opposes the involvement of filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, should they express interest in finishing the film.
Anol Raihan emphasized the unique artistic vision his father held, one that he believes cannot be replicated or interpreted by another filmmaker. He questioned the necessity of completing the film after more than 55 years since its inception, arguing that "Let There Be Light" was intended as an independent expression of his father's political philosophy, distinct from his other notable works.
Furthermore, Anol Raihan objected to the partial screening organized by the Bangladeshi Film Archive, insisting that the entirety of the raw footage, including unedited shots, should be made available to the public. He argued that such a complete presentation would hold invaluable educational and historical significance for future generations of filmmakers and cinephiles.
Anol Raihan's impassioned plea underscores the historical and artistic value embedded within "Let There Be Light." He contends that only his father, Zahir
Raihan, could authentically complete the project, given the vast temporal and ideological disparities between its conception and the present day.
The renewed discussions surrounding the fate of "Let There Be Light" illuminate the complexities inherent in preserving and interpreting the legacies of visionary filmmakers like Zahir Raihan, whose contributions to Bengali cinema continue to resonate profoundly.
As the debate unfolds, stakeholders and enthusiasts alike remain divided on the appropriate course of action regarding this cinematic treasure, leaving the future of "Let There Be Light" shrouded in uncertainty.