Tracing Lights (1st episode)

We are screening the first episode of the coming series TRACING LIGHT, directed and produced by journalist Mahmona Khan.

Tracing Light follows the director's personal journey in the hunt for Nur Jahan, a woman who, 400 years ago, became the most powerful person in the Mughal Empire, a story that ended in the margins of history.

The hunt begins in Norway and leads her to archives, museums, and collections in London, Istanbul, and Lahore.  On her way, Khan meets researchers, historians, and others who challenge the established image of Nur Jahan and the story we have inherited from the Mughal Empire. 

Films from the South will screen the first episode of the documentary series, followed by a conversation with Mahmona Khan about Nur Jahan, the writing of history, the colonial gaze, and why a story from South Asia is still relevant for us today. The director is also launching her book, Der lyset faller, which comes from the same interest in history.

The conversation is moderated by VG journalist, commentator and author Shazia Majid.