Remarks

America Week Cultural Program

Zia Hall, Khulna

March 1, 2005

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is my sincere pleasure to be part of the opening of the 2005 America Week Film Evening. Preparing and America Week has been a lot of hard work for the Embassy, all of our close associates, and for the city of Khulna. Thus far, that hard work has paid off and I am very encouraged by the warm reception the people of Khulna have given us. So, tonight, we have the opportunity to enjoy our hard work and watch two American movies that are regarded as modern classics across the world, Superman and West Side Story. Though these two movies present very different stories, they are both considered classics in the movie business because they appeal to young and old alike. In many ways, these two very different classics are typically American, something I am very proud of: in Superman, the world’s most famous superhero is shown to be human and vulnerable to the wayward human heart; and in West Side Story, a classic Romeo and Juliet story is updated and moved to New York – my home.
 
So, relax. Tonight we are not Bangladeshis or Americans; instead we are all movie lovers. 

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Note:  A Bangla translation of this article is also available from The American Center.  If you are interested in the translation, please call The American Center Press Section (Tel: 8813440-4, Fax: 9881677; e-mail: DhakaPA@state.gov; Website: dhaka.usembassy.gov).