Mukh O Mukhosh (Face and Mask), released in 1956, holds a foundational place in Bengali film history. It was the very first full-length Bengali-language film produced in East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh. The film was directed and produced by Abdul Jabbar Khan, a man who wasn’t just making a movie— he was making a statement. At a time of high cultural and political tensions, this film became a bold declaration of Bengali identity. The early 1950s were turbulent years. Following the Language Movement of 1952, during which people fought to have Bengali recognized as a state language, there was a strong push to preserve and celebrate Bengali culture. Making a Bengali film in that climate was more than entertainment—it was an act of pride and resistance. Abdul Jabbar Khan had a deep passion for storytelling. Despite having minimal support and almost no technical resources, he managed to write, direct, and fund the entire film by himself. Since there were no studios or editing facilities in East Pakistan at the time, much of the equipment had to be borrowed or brought in, and post-production was done in Kolkata. The actors were mostly amateurs from the local community, but their involvement helped kickstart what would become the Bengali film industry in Dhaka. The story of Mukh O Mukhosh was based on a real-life crime case and explored the themes of justice and deception, symbolized by the title—Face and Mask. While not much is documented about the exact plot, the film’s impact is undeniable. Over time, Mukh O Mukhosh has come to be recognized as the birth of Bangladeshi cinema. It opened the door for future filmmakers such as Zahir Raihan and Subhash Dutta and helped establish Bengali not just as a spoken language but as a powerful medium for art and storytelling. Today, the film is remembered as a cultural milestone and a foundational piece of Bangladesh’s cinematic legacy.