Paris, France – The Bangladeshi cinema scene received another boost on the international stage as the film “Nirvana” clinched the Jury Award at the prestigious Gange Sur Seine International Film Festival in France. This marks the second major accolade for the silent film, following a Special Jury Award at the Moscow International Film Festival.
Asif Islam, the film’s director, shared his enthusiasm about the international recognition, which he sees as a significant milestone not only for his team but for Bangladeshi cinema as a whole. “It is thrilling to see ‘Nirvana’ resonate so strongly with international audiences,” Islam said. “Such recognition highlights the emerging global stature of our local film industry.”
Islam is advocating for greater support back home to help foster a conducive environment for filmmakers. He believes that the trajectory of Bangladeshi films is aligning well with global cinematic trends, and that his home country is on the cusp of being renowned for producing impactful cinema.
Set in the noisy confines of a transformer factory, “Nirvana” tells the poignant stories of three workers. The film, devoid of any dialogue, focuses on the silent struggles and internal turmoil experienced by the characters. Priyam Archi, one of the lead actors, described the film as a “meditative experience” that invites the audience to explore the profound unspoken emotions of the characters.
The decision to make “Nirvana” a silent film stemmed from practical challenges. High noise levels at the factory location made traditional filming impossible, prompting Islam and his team to innovate by excluding dialogue. The black and white film utilizes a minimalist approach, enhanced by its haunting soundscape created by sound designer Sukanta Majumder and composer Ben Roberts.
Although “Nirvana” is capturing the imagination of audiences and juries at film festivals worldwide, with further screenings scheduled in Morocco, Spain, London, and India, the prospects for a commercial release in Bangladesh remain uncertain. The film’s inclusion of LGBTQ themes could pose challenges for distribution in its home country.
Despite these challenges, Islam remains optimistic about the role of storytelling in cinema. “’Nirvana’ demonstrates that powerful films can be made with modest budgets if they are driven by a compelling vision and narrative,” he noted.
The film’s success at international film festivals and its distinctive storytelling approach are making significant inroads for Bangladeshi films on the global stage, signaling a promising future for the nation’s filmmakers. As “Nirvana” continues its journey across the world’s cinemas, it carries with it not just the hopes of its creators but also the aspirations of a burgeoning film industry looking to tell its unique stories to a broader audience.