Birmingham | In Search of Bengali Harlem | Film Screening, Q&A

In Search of Bengali Harlem is a powerful and deeply personal documentary by actor and storyteller Alaudin Ullah. The film follows his journey from the streets of Harlem to the villages of Bangladesh, uncovering the hidden history of his parents, Habib and Mohima. Once immersed in hip-hop and graffiti culture, Ullah had distanced himself from his South Asian Muslim roots — only to later realize how little he knew of his own family’s past.

Through this search, Ullah uncovers the overlooked legacy of South Asian men who quietly built lives in America’s cities. His story not only shines light on forgotten histories but also challenges the cultural stereotypes that continue to shape our communities today.

Following the screening, we invite audiences to stay for a discussion exploring themes of identity, migration, and belonging — a chance to reflect together on the stories that connect us across generations and geographies.