The Whitechapel Gallery Voices That Matter

I am so excited to share this film from The Whitechapel Gallery’s Voices That Matter project. I composed the music from the first half of the community project with the City Gateway, and Filmmaker Hussina Raja made the film in the second half of the project. I am so glad we could find a way to collaborate and put some of the music to the film! And of course, all the love and appreciation to the women who were our creative partners in this creative endeavour, as well as our supportive partners at Whitechapel Gallery. Thank you! 

(And keep your ears peeled for when the full music piece comes out - soon!)

Artist and filmmaker Hussina Raja collaborated with women from City Gateway’s Women’s Programmes, to create Bidēśi Mahilā (Travelling Women). An experimental short film exploring what it means to ‘take up space’ in public spaces, whilst building a life in London, and longing for connection to Bangladesh.

Over a period of six weeks Raja worked closely with the women, exchanging stories, sharing ambitions and discovering ways of portraying their authentic voices through film. Bidēśi Mahilā is a celebration of these women, their flair, power and vibrancy.

Fruits native to Bangladesh make appearances as wily interlopers in the Gallery. Flashes of wide-open space contrast with intimate snapshots of family life, and we hear the group’s reflections on solidarity and sisterhood that grew throughout this project. 

The film also features a soundtrack composed by the musician and artist Kate Smith, comprising sounds made during breathing and embodiment exercises with the group in a previous phase of the project.

Find out more about this film here

This film is part of Voices That Matter, generously funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.