‘Payer Chhap’ wins Best Documentary award at Kolkata film festival

“Payer Chhap”, a documentary chronicling the 12-year struggle and success of Ayesha Akter, has won the Best Documentary award at the Swami Vivekananda International Film Festival (SVIFF) in Kolkata.

The 24-minute-20-second documentary had its world premiere on Channel i on May 17 at 10:20pm. It focuses on Ayesha's journey and her determination to overcome the challenges she has faced throughout her life.

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According to director Mustafa Mallik, the award will be presented to “Payer Chhap” at the festival on September 12.

The documentary will also be screened at several educational institutions across Kolkata from September 4 to 11. A special screening dedicated solely to “Payer Chhap” is scheduled for September 8 at Vivekananda College in Kolkata.

Born without arms in Kochuahat village of Saghata upazila in Gaibandha, Ayesha Akter grew up facing social neglect and financial hardship. At one point, her father considered selling her to a circus because of the family's financial difficulties.

Despite these circumstances, Ayesha went on to become a symbol of determination in Bangladesh. She completed her studies by writing with her feet and recently achieved a first-class result in her master's examination.

“Payer Chhap” documents her journey of more than a decade, from the obstacles she faced to her academic achievement.

The documentary was produced by Faridur Reza Sagar, managing director of Channel i and a children's author. Mustafa Mallik, a special correspondent of the channel, planned and directed the project.

“I have followed Ayesha for more than a decade and witnessed her daily struggles. Channel i gave me complete freedom and the opportunity to make this biodocumentary,” Mallik said.

“Ayesha has proved that you do not need hands to conquer life; unwavering determination is enough,” he added.