Bangladeshi author and independent filmmaker Md Altamis Nabil’s English-language book ‘Lumière to Hiralal’ has been formally included in the collection of the Reuben Library at the British Film Institute (BFI) in London, considered one of the world’s leading research libraries and archive centres for film and television.
A copy of the book was personally presented by Nabil to the BFI Southbank authorities on March 20. Recognised internationally for BFI’s film research and archival resources, the inclusion is expected to support a broader understanding of early South Asian cinema on a global scale.
Additionally, the book has been accepted for inclusion in two other prestigious London research libraries: the British Library and the SOAS Library at SOAS University of London.
Published by Youth Upskill Network + YUNet, Lumière to Hiralal provides an accessible overview of world cinema history and major film movements. It traces the evolution of cinema from the Lumière Brothers’ earliest screenings to influential movements such as Soviet Montage, German Expressionism, Italian Neorealism and the French New Wave.
The book also explores the origins of cinema in the Indian subcontinent, with a particular focus on early Bangladeshi filmmaking.
Speaking about the achievement, Altamis Nabil said, “The purpose of writing this book was to present an accessible understanding of South Asia’s contribution to world cinema history for international readers. Having it included in the library of the BFI, one of the world’s most historic film research institutions, is a great honour for me.”
The inclusion is expected to increase the visibility of Bangladeshi and South Asian cinematic heritage within global academic and film research circles.
Nabil continues to be active in youth development and training initiatives alongside pursuing writing and documentary filmmaking.
