Two Bangladeshi films have been officially nominated at the 21st Kazan International Film Festival in Russia. One is a short film titled The Pair of White Pigeons, directed by Shahriar Azad Shaumik, and the other is an international documentary Mighty Afrin: In the Time of Floods, directed by Angelos Rallis.
The Pair of White Pigeons is a short fiction based on memories from Shaumik’s childhood. Speaking about his work, the director shared, “I grew up in a remote village in Jhikargacha, Jessore. This short film reflects many incidents from my early life — village life, nature, and emotional moments I experienced.” The film centres around a pair of white pigeons, symbolising innocence and freedom. SK Shahriar and Shaheen Hossain have acted in the film. Juboraj Shamim produced the short film. Sharing his feelings, Juboraj Shamim wrote on social media, “This is the first film I’ve produced. I don’t plan to regularly produce films for others, but sometimes, someone’s vision touches you differently.”
On the other hand, Mighty Afrin: In the Time of Floods is an international co-production involving Greece, France, Germany, and Bangladesh. The documentary tells the moving story of a brave 12-year-old girl, Afrin, who lives on a remote island in the Brahmaputra River. When a flood hits the area, Afrin sets out alone to find her missing father. The documentary, which runs for 1 hour and 32 minutes, highlights the struggle of climate refugees and the devastating effects of floods in Bangladesh.
The 21st Kazan International Film Festival will begin on September 5. Both directors and producers from Bangladesh are expected to attend the event.
