Faujdar- The Last Man Standing is a 2025 Bengali-language Indian documentary short film directed by Saurav Bhadra[1][2].The film had its Premier at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival[2]. The film highlights the life of Shital Faujdar, the last surviving artisan in Bishnupur, West Bengal, who practices the 1200-year-old traditional craft of making Dashavatar playing cards.[3][4][5]
| Faujdar- The last Man Standing | |
|---|---|
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| Directed by | Saurav Bhadra |
Release date |
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Running time | 19 min. |
| Country | India |
| Language | Bengali |
Plot synopsis
editThe documentary chronicles the struggle of Shital Faujdar, who represents the 87th generation of his family dedicated to creating handcrafted Dashavatar cards—a traditional card game based on the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.[5] As modern, machine-made alternatives become dominant, Shital struggles to keep this ancient artistic heritage alive[6]. The film serves as a portrait of cultural resilience, documenting the traditional, painstaking techniques utilized to produce these circular, hand-painted cards.[7]
Production
editThe production of Faujdar- The Last Man Standing began after Director Saurav Bhadra discovered the nearly forgotten art of Dashavatar Tash during a visit to Bishnupur, West Bengal[6]. Moved by the story of 51-year-old Shital Faujdar, who represents the 87th generation of his family dedicated to this craft, Bhadra sought to document the artisan’s "lonely battle" against the disappearance of this traditional folk art[2]. The project was brought to life by a team of alumni from Roopkala Kendro, with Hreek Mukherjee serving as both the producer and one of the cinematographers.[5] The documentary focuses on the artisan as a "symbol of resistance," notably concluding with a rendition of the resistance song "Bella Ciao" to pay tribute to his resilience.[7]
Release
editFaujdar- The Last Man Standing had its premiere at the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival in November 2025[2]. It was scheduled for screening at Nandan 3 on November 9, 2025, and Shishir Mancha on November 13, 2025.[4]
Reception
editThe film has been recognized for its focus on documenting vanishing Indian folk arts and its selection at the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF)[4].
References
edit- ↑ "KIFF 2025: দশাবতার তাসের গল্প ও বিষ্ণুপুরের মাটির গন্ধ ফিরিয়ে আনছে সৌরভের 'ফৌজদার' কেআইএফএফ ২০২৫ - এ". Zee24Ghanta.com (in Bengali). Retrieved 16 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Object, object. "বিষ্ণুপুরের 'দশাবতার তাস' নিয়ে তথ্যচিত্র বিশ্ব সিনেমার আঙিনায়". bartamanpatrika.com (in Bengali). Retrieved 16 May 2026.
- ↑ "Documentary about Bishnupur's 'Dashabtar Tas' in the world cinema arena" (in Bengali). 2 November 2025. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
- 1 2 3 De Sarkar, Soumya (11 November 2025). "Siliguri director shines at KIFF: Filmmaker captures last bastion of folk art". The Telegraph India.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - 1 2 3 Samanta, Nayanika (7 November 2025). "Saurav Bhadras "faujdar" throws spotlight on dying traditional art form". United News of India.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - 1 2 Service, Statesman News (11 November 2025). "Filmmaker focuses on Bishnupur's lost art and craft". The Statesman. Retrieved 16 May 2026.
- 1 2 "Docu on last artist of Bishnupur's Dashavatar cards at KIFF contest". The Times of India. 24 October 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 7 May 2026.