TIFF 2024: Saba Movie Trailer (Coming Soon Movie Trailer)
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Overview
Maksud Hossain’s debut feature, Saba, is making waves at TIFF 2024 with its poignant and intimate portrayal of family dynamics under the strain of illness and economic hardship. This Bangladeshi film, presented in the Discovery Programme, delves into the complex mother-daughter relationship within the context of end-of-life care, exploring themes of sacrifice, love, and personal sacrifice.
The Story
In Saba, we follow the life of Saba (played by Mehazabien Chowdhury), who is the primary caregiver for her paraplegic mother, Shirin (Rokeya Prachy). Shirin’s heart disease and overall condition create a challenging and often bitter environment, causing strain between mother and daughter. The situation becomes even more dire when Shirin suffers a heart attack, pushing Saba to the brink.
Desperate to cover her mother’s medical expenses, Saba faces an uphill battle. She sells their home at a reduced price and jeopardizes her budding romance with her coworker Ankur (Mostafa Monwar), who dreams of a new life abroad. The film intricately weaves together these personal sacrifices with the broader struggles of living in a country where survival is a daily challenge.
What Makes It Special
- Emotional Depth: Saba is not just a film about caregiving; it’s a deep dive into the emotional and psychological impacts of facing life’s most difficult challenges. The performances by Chowdhury, Prachy, and Monwar are remarkable, bringing a nuanced portrayal of their characters’ inner conflicts and relationships.
- Vivid Cinematography: The film’s dynamic cinematography and vivid color palette effectively reflect the emotional landscape of the characters. Through its visual storytelling, Saba highlights how small joys and simple pleasures—like good food, fresh air, and music—can offer solace amid despair.
- Cultural and Social Commentary: By portraying the everyday struggles of its characters, the film offers a commentary on broader social and economic issues in Bangladesh. It resonates with universal themes of sacrifice and the pursuit of a better life, whether through staying and facing hardships or seeking opportunities abroad.
- Director’s Vision: Maksud Hossain brings a compassionate and insightful perspective to his directorial debut. His ability to capture the raw and often painful realities of his characters’ lives makes Saba a compelling and empathetic film.
Screening Details
Catch Saba at TIFF 2024 during these times:
- Saturday, September 7 at 5:45 PM – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
- Sunday, September 8 at 9:45 AM – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry)
- Sunday, September 8 at 9:10 PM – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
- Saturday, September 14 at 9:15 AM – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Final Thoughts
Maksud Hossain’s Saba is a standout in this year’s TIFF Discovery Programme, offering a powerful and moving exploration of family bonds and personal sacrifice. Through its heartfelt storytelling and striking visual style, the film provides a poignant reflection on the human condition, making it a must-see for those interested in contemporary international cinema.
