Sultana's Dream (film)

Sultana's Dream is a 2024 animated science fiction film directed by Isabel Herguera. It is an adaptation of Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain's 1905 feminist utopian novella, "Sultana's Dream." The film blends traditional animation techniques with elements of documentary, exploring themes of gender equality, environmentalism, and the power of imagination.

The plot follows Inés, a Spanish animator, as she travels to India to collaborate on a film adaptation of Hossain's story. During her research, Inés uncovers details about Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain's life and the historical context of her writing. The film intertwines Inés' journey of discovery with the utopian world of Ladyland depicted in Hossain's novella, where women have taken control of society and created a peaceful, technologically advanced, and sustainable world.

Sultana's Dream employs a distinctive visual style, combining hand-drawn animation with archival footage and elements inspired by Indian art and culture. The film has been praised for its thoughtful adaptation of the source material and its exploration of relevant social and political issues. Its international co-production highlights the global relevance of Hossain's message and its continuing impact on feminist thought.