As part of our Fall “Muslims in Asia” film series the Carolina Asia Center will screen Matir Moina (The Clay Bird) in Bengali. The film is from 2002 and directed by Tareque Masud. Set against the backdrop of Pakistan during the turbulent 1960s, a family is ripped apart by religious beliefs and civil war. Anu, a shy young boy from rural East Pakistan is sent away by his father Kazi, an orthodox Muslim, to a Madrasah. Far from his family and the warmth of his region’s vibrant Hindu festivities, Anu struggles to adapt to the Islamic school’s harsh monastic life. As the political divisions in the country intensify, a split develops between moderate and extremist forces within the Madrasah. In the village, these same tensions create a growing divide between the stubborn Kazi and his increasingly independent wife, Ayesha. Prof. Pamela Lothspeich will introduce the film’s historical context then lead a discussion following the film. CLE CREDIT!!