Natasha Ginwala speaks with filmmaker Naeem Mohaiemen about themes such as death, displacement and cinematic time.  Mohaiemen discusses his multilayered practice across photography, drawing and essays intertwining historical archives, political and personal stories spanning multiple geographies, from Bangladesh to Libya and Greece. In particular, he recalls a Bengali phrase by Nirmal Sen that translates to ‘we want the guarantee of a natural death’, an idea that echoes through his works presented at SB16: ‘Jole Dobe Na’ (Those Who Do Not Drown)’ (2020), ‘Karen’s Last Books’ (2023) and ‘Jamahiriya Means People: Okba ibn Nafa’ (2024). Listen to a song from ‘Jole Dobe Na’ and their discussion on these works.

‘Jole Dobe Na', ‘Karen’s Last Books’ and ‘Jamhariya Means People: Okba ibn Nafa’ are on view at Bait Al Serkal from 6 February to 15 June 2025.

CREDITS

Host: Natasha Ginwala

Guest: Naeem Mohaiemen

Editorial and Content Strategy: Jyoti Dhar, Kamayani Sharma and Mahshid Rafiei

Podcast Producer: Kamayani Sharma

Sound Engineer: Basil Kisswani

Show Notes: Rajwant Sandhu and Suguna Sridhar

Music and Sound: Excerpt from ‘Jole Dobe Na’ (Those Who Do Not Drown)’ (2020)

Special Thanks: Nawar Al Qassimi, Jiwon Lee, Amal Al Ali and Osemudiamen Ekore

© Sharjah Art Foundation, 2025

This episode was recorded on 31 August 2024.

‘Jamhariya Means People: Okba ibn Nafa’ is supported by Sharjah Art Foundation and Experimenter, Kolkata/ Mumbai.

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