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A powerful documentary film, "Here To Stay, Here To Fight," chronicling the transformation of East London's Bengali community during the turbulent 1970s, will be screened at Oxford House in Bethnal Green on Friday, May 16th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The screening is part of the annual commemoration of Altab Ali's death, a pivotal event that galvanised the Bengali community in the face of racial prejudice and violence. "Here To Stay, Here To Fight" vividly portrays the six tumultuous years that saw the community evolve from a vulnerable and marginalized group into a formidable political force capable of contesting and winning political office.
Through the compelling accounts of five former activists who were at the forefront of this struggle, the film illuminates the challenges faced and the resilience demonstrated by the Bengali community as they fought for recognition and a voice in their adopted homeland. Their stories detail the battles against racism, the formation of community defense groups, and the eventual journey towards political empowerment.
Following the screening, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in a Question and Answer session with two key contributors to the film: Helal Abbas and renowned writer and broadcaster Farrukh Dhondy. Their insights and firsthand experiences promise to provide a deeper understanding of the historical context and the enduring legacy of the activism depicted in the film.
The filmmaker, Finn, extends a warm invitation to the public to attend this important screening.
