Based on a true story, Barir Naam Shahana, directed by Lisa Gazi, has been officially selected as Bangladesh’s submission for Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
The announcement was made by Oscar Bangladesh Committee under the supervision of Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies (BFFS) at a press conference in Dhaka on Saturday.
Earlier this month, the Oscar Committee called for film submissions, setting September 16 as the deadline.
Five films were submitted for consideration: Saba, Barir Naam Shahana, Nakshikanthar Jomin, Priyo Maloti and Moyna.
After reviewing all submissions through screenings held on September 24 and 25, the committee unanimously selected Barir Naam Shahana, which had its theatrical release on September 19.
The committee was chaired by Mohammad Zaherul Islam and included film critic and journalist Sajjad Sharif, cinematographer Rashed Zaman, producer Shahrin Akhtar Sumi, filmmaker Shaheen Dil-Riaz and film educator S.M. Imran Hossain.
Barir Naam Shahana, Lisa Gazi’s debut feature film, is inspired by a true story.
The screenplay was co-written by Gazi and Anan Siddique, who also stars in lead role as Deepa. The cast features notable actors including Lutfor Rahman George, Iresh Zaker, Kazi Ruma, and Kamrunnahar Munni.
Lisa Gazi, previously known for her work in documentary filmmaking, transitions into feature cinema with this powerful narrative that explores personal and social realities through a deeply emotional lens.
The Oscar Bangladesh Committee operates under the supervision of Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies, which is authorized to select and send Bangladesh's entry to Academy Awards in accordance with the rules set by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Representatives of the submitted films, committee members, journalists and film industry professionals were present at the press event.
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