BANGLATOWN! Farihah Chowdhury‘s short documentary exploring the desiccation of a South Asian London landmark

dir. Farihah Chowdhury, 2021.

Written by Farihah Chowdhury, edited by Dalia Al-Dujaili.

Banglatown is burning. A community where British Bengalis have fought to make a home for themselves, could all be wiped away due to a new shopping mall planned to be made in the heart and centre of Brick Lane.

Tasnim Chowdhury, by Farihah Chowdhury.

Having been born and bred in Tower Hamlets, it’s been astonishing to see how much the area has changed. Initially known for being one of the most materially deprived boroughs in the UK, it’s become one of the trendiest… who would’ve thought Bethnal Green would become the hub of hipster?! And potentially costing the locals livelihoods, affecting the area’s community.

Quick history brief: British Bengalis are known to be one of the proudest and hardworking groups of people following the hardships faced when first migrating to the UK. Living in what was labelled as the ghettos or slums along with being treated like third-class citizens through constant racist attacks led by skinheads, the generations before us definitely paved our path to freedom through their endless resilience and fight in protesting and striking against racist far-right movements, like the National Front in the 70s on Brick Lane itself. 

After successfully taking over the rag trade and now dominating through the curry houses, Brick Lane wouldn't be what it is today: it is latching onto its last bit of authenticity – unless you count endless independent coffee shops and overpriced vintage stores to be culture, that is.

Ultimately the Tower Hamlets development committee have approved this concrete shopping centre to be made in Brick Lane, potentially wiping away decades of history. In commemoration of our past, I created this documentary project to highlight the perspective of those from the community and what Brick Lane means to them. First being Tasnim Chowdhury, who expresses the nostalgia Banglatown brought to her growing up as a British Bengali from South London. May this project bring insight but also serve as a reminder that the battle of Brick Lane is still ongoing and it's not over until it is.

Image Gallery: Banglatown Protest by Farihah Chowdhury.