Filmmaker Zayed Siddiki’s short film ‘Darkaak’ recently won the Special Jury Prize at the 10th International Film Festival of Shimla, India ( IFFS). The awards were presented at the closing ceremony held at the Gaiety Theatre Complex, with Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla as the chief guest.
Siddiki expressed his gratitude for the recognition, noting the honor of being acknowledged by such a distinguished festival. “It is always special to receive an award from a notable festival like IFFS in India,” he told.
The festival, which took place from August 16 to 18, was organized by Himalayan Velocity in collaboration with the Department of Language and Culture, the Government of Himachal Pradesh, and the Indian federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
‘Darkaak’ is based on a short story by fiction writer Shahidul Zahir. Siddiki adapted the story into a screenplay and dialogue, depicting the life of an elderly man struggling with an existential crisis while being dependent on his family. As he faces an important family decision, he realizes his perceived insignificance, leading him to withdraw and become rebellious.
Jayanto Chattapadhyay stars in the lead role, with Aminur Rahman Mukul, Iqbal Hossain, Tuntuni Sobhan, Fazlul Haque, Tahua Labib Tura, and ABM Saidul Haque supporting. Jerin Akter Shimul and Akhlaquzzaman Khan also have roles in the film.
