A collection of 3 animated short films. Available on MUBI.
The 1947 Partition of India was a moment that marked the end of British colonial rule, but it also brought about the painful birth of two nations - India and Pakistan. With that, came a legacy filled with memories of violence and displacement. In the midst of this, Project Dastaan, a collaboration of artists from both India and Pakistan, steps in to bridge these political divides. Their work unearths heartfelt migration stories that were almost lost to time. Through their stunning animated shorts, blending both traditional and modern styles, they tackle big questions around identity, culture, and borders in a way that feels fresh and deeply personal.
REST IN PAPER
One such short, Rest in Paper (2022) by Haseeb Rehman, follows the story of a man whose life was turned upside down by the Partition. It highlights the strange and often ridiculous situations people found themselves in as they dealt with endless bureaucracy during a time of immense tragedy. The film paints a heartbreaking picture of how something as profound as one’s homeland can be reduced to mere paperwork.
TSHC Score: 4/5
SULTANA'S DREAM
Themes of heritage and legacy continue in Sultana’s Dream (2022), inspired by a classic piece of Bengali feminist literature. It explores the struggles faced by women after the Partition, from forced conversions to abductions. But the film also holds onto hope, imagining a future utopia where things have changed for the better.
This animated short, set in Calcutta, follows an elderly woman named Sultana, who is transported in a dream to a fantastical land ruled by women. Based on a 1905 story by Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, it's hailed as one of the earliest pieces of feminist science fiction. Sultana's journey through this utopian society, where women dominate public spaces and men are nowhere to be found, is both whimsical and thought-provoking. As Sultana explores, she's confronted with her own doubts about the feasibility of such a society, yet the women of this dreamworld reveal alternative ways of living, embracing peace and efficiency.
TSHC Score:Â 3.5/5
SEABIRDS
The final film, Seabirds, ties everything together with a touching meditation on identity and memory. Directed by Sawera Jahan, this animated short explores the experience of migration through food. A young girl and her grandmother lovingly prepare a dish called kavanarisi, but it’s more than just a meal - it’s a connection to the shared histories of Singapore, Myanmar, and India.
TSHC Score:Â 3.5/5
The theme running through Lost Migrations is clear: identity is fluid, not fixed by borders or labels. These films remind us that, while our histories may be painful, we hold the power to shape our own futures, carrying with us the memories of every place we've ever called home. Each of these shorts feels like a history lesson in motion, beautifully showing how even in times of darkness, there’s the potential for light, and how deep pain can eventually lead to moments of solidarity and healing.
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