Prataya Saha’s film-photography project probes substance abuse in women

“Modern art is all about fusion, and that’s what my new project reflects. But what makes the ‘The Lost Bride’ more relevant is the subject it deals with and the message it conveys,” says filmmaker-photographer Prataya Saha, whose latest work is piquing people’s curiosity in the art world.

Recently released online, ‘The Lost Bride’ forms part of a long-term series that blends elements of photography with that of filmmaking.“It’s a black-and-white series that borrows the style and treatment from the silent-film era, particularly from the Charlie Chaplin movies,” he explains, adding, “The series highlights the plight of women in our society. It’s an attempt to draw the audiences’ attention to topics such as drug abuse among women, marital rape and postpartum depression. It also intends to raise awareness about same-sex relationships that are still considered a taboo in society.”

Featuring actor-model Amala Mathew, ‘The Lost Bride’ is the story of a soon-to-be-married girl gone rogue under the influence of drugs. “Although research has shown that the likelihood of women getting addicted to drugs is just as much as it is for men, and in some cases, they are even more prone to a relapse than men, many women still find it difficult to access medical attention when they need it the most. The story here touches focuses upon that aspect of vulnerability,” says Prataya, who is also a theatre director.

He made his directorial debut in 2016 with the film ‘Anna’s Weekend’, which got selected in film festivals in the US and China. His second project, ‘Thirst’, was an official entry at the 14^th International Independent Film Festival in Dhaka. So far, he has helmed a total of eight short films, most of which have garnered the attention of movie lovers across the globe.