Westbury Arts’ Documentary Film Series is proud to present this important film, written and directed by Mara Ahmed and co-produced by Surbhi Dewan.
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we delve into the heart-wrenching story of the Partition of India with the screening of the powerful documentary film, A THIN WALL.
The Film: This documentary is about memory, history and the possibility of reconciliation. It focuses on the Partition of India in 1947, but derives lessons that remain urgently relevant today. Shot on both sides of the border, in India and Pakistan, A THIN WALL is a personal take on Partition rooted in stories passed down from one generation to another. Both filmmakers are descendants of families torn apart by the Partition. The film is also a work of art infused with original animation, music and literary writing. Through personal narratives, historical footage, and compelling interviews, the film explores the impact of the Partition on the lives of ordinary individuals. Witness the emotional journey of those affected by this tragic event and gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues of memory, identity, community, and belonging.
“Mara Ahmed’s A THIN WALL is akin to a beautiful and powerful book of essays: many voices sharing poetic, personal, and political stories and viewpoints, woven together to convey a universal aching. It is a textural and tangible journey that captures a profound sense of loss for more than one generation. May we all embrace the lessons this film has to offer.” -Linda Moroney, Director, Greentopia Film
“Surbhi and I both grew up with stories of Partition. Maybe they inspired our interest in displacement and our need to bridge cultural and geographic distances. Our families made the same terrifying voyage in 1947, but in opposite directions. We feel that Partition’s shadow still looms large in the subcontinent. It shaped the relationship between the two newly independent states of Pakistan and India. There is a need to revisit those stories in order to move beyond them. There is also a need to preserve and document this historical event, in the intimate voices of those who lived through it.” –Mara Ahmed, Writer, Director and Co-Producer
About the Filmmaker: Best known for her non-linear multimedia work, filmmaker Mara Ahmed produces documentaries, soundscapes, and artwork that trespass political borders and challenge colonial logics. Mara was born in Lahore and educated in Belgium, Pakistan, and the U.S. Her practice reflects these displacements and multiplicities. She has directed and produced three films, including The Muslims I Know (2008), Pakistan One on One (2011), and A Thin Wall (2015). Her films have been broadcast on America’s Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and screened at international film festivals. She is currently working on The Injured Body, a documentary about racism in America that focuses on the voices of women of color. Mara’s artwork has been exhibited at galleries in New York and California. She was awarded a NYSCA grant in 2023 for her interdisciplinary project, Return to Sender: Women of Color in Colonial Postcards and the Politics of Representation. Her websites are NeelumFilms.com and MaraAhmedStudio.com
Mara will be with us at the screening to talk about her film. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, broaden your perspective, and reflect on the lasting effects of the Partition of India. Reserve your spot now and be a part of this enlightening experience.
Tickets are free for general admission (bleacher seating) and $5.00 plus an Eventbrite fee for reserved seating (chairs).
Parking is available for free after 6:00 PM in the Village of Westbury lot across the street from the Westbury Arts building.
On Friday, October 13, 2023, at 7:00 PM, we invite you to gather at 255 Schenck Ave, Westbury, NY 11590 for this thought-provoking event.