“Inns of Molten Blue”: Film Screening

On July 19, 2025, the Department of English and Humanities (DEH) at ULAB organized a screening of Inns of Molten Blue, a film by Quazi Farhina Hassan (MA Batch 243). Farhina is an alumna of DEH, having completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies here. Her film was created as part of her graduate dissertation under the supervision of Professor Shamsad Mortuza. The film served as a visual and creative representation of the key themes explored in her research.

The event commenced with the screening of the film, followed by a speech from Farhina. She began by expressing her gratitude to the actors and everyone involved in the making of the film, with special thanks to her supervisor Professor Mortuza. She further elaborated on the themes of her film, which centered on lucid dreaming and astral projection. Her research explored how these concepts have been interpreted across science, religion and shamanic traditions. The film also had an allegorical layer, drawing parallels between its narratives and contemporary political contexts such as the Palestinian occupation and the July revolution of Bangladesh.

Following Farhina’s speech, Professor Mortuza spoke, commending her for successfully completing the dissertation project within the short duration of the term. He reflected on the concept of Shamanism, which caught his attention the most, describing it as something that exists between pseudo-science and pseudo-religion. Concluding his speech, Professor Mortuza expressed pride not only in Farhina's accomplishments but also in the growing political consciousness of her generation.

This was followed by an open discussion during which Professor Kaiser Haq and Ms. Nadia Rahman joined Professor Mortuza in offering both compliments and constructive criticism on the film. The event ended with a group photograph featuring the professors, Farhina and all the audience members.

Report by Rudaiba Mahbub (243055042)