Doesn't everybody want to know where they come from? That's the question Fatima Shaik sought out to answer when she set out on an unlikely quest traveling across the globe as documented in the new film "The Bengali." The film follows Shaik, who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, as she travels to India, the home of her grandfather, Shaik Mohamed Musa.
Shaik, an African-American writer whose family has lived in Louisiana for four generations, travels with Kolkata-born filmmaker Kavery Kaul crossing deep cultural divides to a part of India where no African-American (or any American for that matter) has ever gone. Shaik's search for the past is fraught with uncertainty as she looks for her grandfather's descendants, the land he claimed to own, and the truth behind the stories she grew up with.
Run time is 72 minutes. Tickets are $10 and are on sale now.
Because of geoblocking limitations, this film is available only to viewers in Washington, Oregon, and greater Vancouver B.C.
About CASCADIA:
Now entering its sixth year, CASCADIA showcases and celebrates exceptional films directed by women. It is one of only a handful of festivals in the U.S. currently dedicated to this purpose. The organization also works year-round to provide film production, exhibition, and distribution education.
Since its first festival five years ago, CASCADIA has presented films by more than 125 women directors from around the world and more than half of the films shown at their 2021 were made by women of color. Films by students, emerging directors, and Indigenous women are also usually in the mix.
Our 2022 festival is scheduled May 12-15 both online and in-person at The Pickford Film Center (1318 Bay St. Bellingham). More information is on our website at www.cascadiafilmfest.org.
