Bangladeshi independent filmmaker Zayed Siddiki’s latest short film Darkaak (RAVEN, 2024) has been officially selected for competition at the 31st Minsk International Film Festival Listapad 2025, one of Eastern Europe’s most prominent cultural events.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, the Minsk City Executive Committee, and the National Film Studio “Belarusfilm”, the festival remains a major international platform for cinema and a former FIAPF-accredited event. This year’s edition will be held from October 31 to November 7, under the slogan “History that Changes Perspectives.”
Out of 3,655 submissions from 120 countries, a total of 157 films from 41 nations have been selected across various categories. Among these, only 13 short films made it to the competition section — with Darkaak representing Bangladesh as the sole entry. The film will be screened on November 2 at 3:00 PM local time at Moskva Cinema in Minsk, which will host the entire short film lineup.
Inspired by a short story by acclaimed writer Shahidul Zahir, Darkaak features screenplay and dialogue penned by Siddiki himself. The film centres on an elderly man’s quiet descent into existential despair as he confronts his fading influence within his own family.
Through its minimalist narrative and powerful visual storytelling, Darkaak explores themes of isolation, dignity, and emotional alienation — capturing the overlooked struggles of urban subaltern life in Bangladesh.
With this latest international recognition, Zayed Siddiki continues to establish himself as one of Bangladesh’s most promising voices in independent cinema. elected for Minsk International Film Festival
Bangladeshi independent filmmaker Zayed Siddiki’s latest short film Darkaak (RAVEN, 2024) has been officially selected for competition at the 31st Minsk International Film Festival Listapad 2025, one of Eastern Europe’s most prominent cultural events.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, the Minsk City Executive Committee, and the National Film Studio “Belarusfilm”, the festival remains a major international platform for cinema and a former FIAPF-accredited event. This year’s edition will be held from October 31 to November 7, under the slogan “History that Changes Perspectives.”
Out of 3,655 submissions from 120 countries, a total of 157 films from 41 nations have been selected across various categories. Among these, only 13 short films made it to the competition section — with Darkaak representing Bangladesh as the sole entry. The film will be screened on November 2 at 3:00 PM local time at Moskva Cinema in Minsk, which will host the entire short film lineup.
Inspired by a short story by acclaimed writer Shahidul Zahir, Darkaak features screenplay and dialogue penned by Siddiki himself. The film centres on an elderly man’s quiet descent into existential despair as he confronts his fading influence within his own family.
Through its minimalist narrative and powerful visual storytelling, Darkaak explores themes of isolation, dignity, and emotional alienation — capturing the overlooked struggles of urban subaltern life in Bangladesh.
With this latest international recognition, Zayed Siddiki continues to establish himself as one of Bangladesh’s most promising voices in independent cinema.
