Matir Projar Deshe (Kingdom of Clay Subjects)
Set in rural Bangladesh, Matir Projar Deshe, is 10-year-old Jamal’s story. His life includes his best friend, 12-year-old Lokkhi and his mother Fatima. One day Lokkhi finds out that she is to be married the next day. Jamal tries to unsuccessfully save her. He goes back to his life in the village after Lokkhi leaves but feels bereft. Trying to find his purpose in life, Jamal tries to register in school but is unable to. The next day, Fatima goes to the school to fix the problem and Jamal starts school. The headmaster’s assistant, Masud, recognizes Fatima as a prostitute from an earlier life and starts blackmailing her. She decides to go to Masud’s house to save her son’s future. She falls into Masud’s trap as he sets up a village court waiting for her. The crowd decide to lash her the next day as punishment and locks her up in the school building while humiliating the Hujur or the priest. Jamal rescues his mother and along with Hujur, they flee the village for a new beginning.