As there are a few female filmmakers who appeared in the Bangladesh film industry, it is hard to derive the best among them. Despite that, some great contributors left inspiration for women to participate in future filmmaking.
The first-ever woman film director of Bangladesh was Rebecca. She set an example by making a film named ' Bindu Theke Britto’ in 1970. Since then many renowned actresses have tried to make their mark in filmmaking. Best female filmmakers of Bangladesh.
Kohinoor Akhter Shuchanda: This sensational actress of the 70s and 80s was the wife of the famous novelist Zaheer Raihan. This talented actress was again soaked in unceasing praise and reward. Suchanda also won the National Award for Best Director and was awarded the Fazlul Haque Memorial Award in 2019. However, her first directed film was 'Bidesh Jatra' (1998). In 1999, her second film was 'Shobuj Coat Kalo Chashma'. She has also been involved in production since the 80s.
Shameem Akhtar: Shameem Akhtar is simultaneously a scriptwriter, a director, and a media activist. She started with making a nonfiction short film The Conversation in 19991 with the notable filmmaker Tarique Masud. She was inspired by the work of Rithik Gothok, Akira Kurosawa, Bernardo Bertolucci. Moreover, she has been an activist in the 'Cholotchitro Sangshad Andolon' during the 1980s.
Nargis Akhter: Nargis Akhter made her directorial debut in 2002with the movie 'Meghla Akash'. The movie was honoured at the National Awards. Nargis won the Best Screenplay award. In 2005, she made Char Satiner Ghar' based on Selina Hossain's story, pointing out the injustice of polygamy. The story of Megher Koley Rod, released in 2008, revolves around AIDS awareness. The film won the 33rd National Award in six categories including Best Actress, and Best Story. Her latest film 'Jaibati Kanyar Mon' has been released this year on 26 March.
Rubaiyat Hossain: Rubaiyat made her debut as a young producer with 'Meherjan' in 2011. That's when she caught the eye of critics. She has always excelled in ensuring women-friendly workplaces. In her second film ' Under Construction in 2015, she has given priority to women in all fields from assistant director to the photographer. Although released on a short scale, the film manages to send a strong message to the patriarchal society. Rubaiyat's " the Toronto Film Festival Made in Bangladesh' was screened at in 2019.
Shahnewaz Kakoli: Art director and playwright Shahnewaz Kakoli has made a name as a female director in her very first film ' Uttarer Shur. It was released in 2012 under the banner of Impress Telefilm. This movie won National Film Awards in 4 categories including Best Film. In 2015, She made Nodpn' which won the national film award for the best side character. Another of her creation Jolrong was released the same year.
Samia Zaman: Journalism is her first love. She emerged as a journalist and presenter on BBC and Ekushey Television in the 90s. She was associated with the short film movement in the 80s as an activist. Currently, she is working as the captain and editor of Ekattar Television. She had a special fondness for cameras and media due to her joumalism.
Shabnam Ferdousi: This filmmaker has won the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award and Ananya the Top Ten awards. She won the Best Short Film Award for Documentary 'Bishkabbo' at the 14th Rainbow International Film Festival. As of January 2018, he has made 18 documentaries. A touching chapter of the 1971 War of Liberation is that many war children were sent abroad after the country became independent, while others grew up in this country keeping their birth identity secret. —UNB
