Nasiruddin Yousuff speaks at the programme. Photo: Neloy Hossain

Short film "Kanna" was premiered at Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of National Museum, Shabagh on November 2. The short film is an adaptation by Maruf Hussain of a short story -- with the same title -- by renowned litterateur Akhtaruzzaman Elias. Srishtigarh has produced the film.

The 16-minute film opens with a committal ceremony at the Azimpur graveyard. Afaz Ali offers prayers at funerals for a living. However, he fails to put his heart into his work and is interested only in financial gains.

Ali's whole attitude to life and death undergoes a drastic change when his son dies. Now he is completely moved while offering D'ua at someone's funeral, which he didn't do before.

The adaptation was not well executed in terms of cinematography. The major flaw that was conspicuously visible at the premiere was the topping of red soil over a new grave in Barisal (red soil is typical to Barendra area, Madhupur Garh and hilly areas of north-east). Besides, the make-up artiste of the film seemingly did his job rather carelessly, especially in the case of the bearded man.

At the end of the show, a discussion was held on the film. Renowned cultural personality Nasiruddin Yousuff, columnist Badruddin Omar, Professor Anu Muhammad and Zayed Aziz took part in the session.

In his speech, Nasiruddin Yousuff said, "Akhtaruzzaman Elias changed the trend of modern Bengali literature. His observation of life and its portrayal in the form of literature is truly remarkable. A cinematic adaptation of his work would be naturally difficult."