The gripping documentary 'Lost Land' is a powerful exploration of the Rohingya's plight, directed by Akio Fujimoto. It's the first film shot in the Rohingya language, offering a raw and intimate perspective on the challenges faced by this Islamic people without a country after the genocide in Myanmar. The film follows a Rohingya family's harrowing journey from Bangladesh to Malaysia, capturing the constant jarring motion of their escape. The director's style is almost documentary-like, with a fly-on-the-wall approach, but it never feels cold or analytical. Instead, it's a deeply moving portrayal of the family's struggle, from the children's playful hide-and-seek to the tragic responsibility of the older sister, Somira, who must care for her younger brother, Shafi. The film's elliptical narrative structure, starting with 'Day One' and 'Day Two' and then skipping to 'Day Eight' and 'Day Fourteen', mirrors the family's journey and the relentless nature of their struggle. The camera often orbits the children, highlighting their perspectives and emotions, such as the claustrophobia of the boat they take to Malaysia. The film's strength lies in its ability to humanize the Rohingya's story, focusing on their dreams and aspirations, like opening a car business or becoming a teacher, which are met with harsh realities. The director's compassion is evident in a sequence where Rohingya refugees share their dreams, and the film's ending leaves a lasting impact, emphasizing the limitations of personal salvation in the face of systemic hostility.
