'Kagoz' film's clay poster preserved in film archive

A 'clay poster' created as a unique addition to Bangladeshi film promotion has been preserved. This sculpture-like poster, made entirely of clay or terracotta, was created for the purpose of promoting the film 'Kagoz'. Due to its artistic quality, it has subsequently been valued as an independent work of art.

While film posters in the country typically rely on print, digital artwork or photography, constructing a poster by hand from clay is rare. The objective of this initiative was to combine folk clay art with film promotion.

The poster was created by artist Rinku. Assisted by two helpers, the work was completed under the supervision of director Ali Zulfikar Zahedi in approximately one month. Standing about six feet high, this relief sculpture-like poster was entirely handmade. A three-dimensional effect was created through multiple stages of drying, applying layers of colour, and fine brushwork. The construction cost was approximately Tk 2 lakh.

After construction, two copies of the poster were made. One was displayed in the 'Kagoz' blockbuster corridor and the other was placed on the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) premises. During the exhibition, it attracted the attention of audiences and film professionals and became a topic of discussion on social media.

In April 2023, director Ali Zulfikar Zahedi formally handed over the poster and a digital copy of the film to the Bangladesh Film Archive. Present at the handing-over ceremony were Archive Project Director Dr Md Mofakkharul Iqbal, Director Farhana Rahman, film director Gazi Mahbub and others.

According to film professionals, this clay poster represents a rare initiative in the history of Bangladeshi cinema, combining sculptural style, folk art and film promotion. It is currently open to the public at the archive.