Subject: Surayia Documentary Update Spring 2010

THREADS:  The Art and Life of Surayia Rahman

SPRING
As the first week of spring in the northern hemisphere has just past, it reminds us of Surayia's story about her painting inspired by Ode to the West Wind by P.B. Shelley: If winter comes, can spring be far behind? Surayia asks me occasionally about this painting, whether I have been able to find out where in the world it is. Just when she finished it, two men came from Boston and one of them, a man named Paul, bought it.  It was the painting of a canvas on a table, with the nails that held the canvas to its frame exposed. Life in the canvas was 'fixed' - a woman wearing a blue shawl and with snow behind her - symbolizing winter.  Next to the canvas was a lily and scissors, signifying spring.

Perhaps we will find a photo of this one day so that we could show it to Surayia again. 

DOCUMENTARY FILM UPDATE
We are very grateful to many experienced filmmakers and other supporters who are helping and encouraging us as we continue this documentary journey.   

Last month in Bangladesh, Anil Advani took beautiful photos of Surayia and her reunion with eight of the women with whom she worked for many years. Mishuk Munier and the Audiovision team filmed Surayia at her home and went with ‘her girls' to the thread markets and to their new place of work with the Selisean Sisters. We launched the "Threads" documentary website  and Hand/Eye Magazine published an article about Surayia written by Bianca Dibiase, a journalism student in Toronto, Canada. Susan Elliott featured Surayia's art and life in her blog.

We plan to film interviews in Bangladesh in mid-April and are now fundraising to cover costs of filming in Bangladesh. We need to raise US$ 12,000 for Bangladeshi camera crews and equipment.  

Many stories are emerging as we research Surayia's life, each story as fascinating and inspirational as the next.  We will share more with you in future updates. 

Best wishes and thanks for your support.

Cathy