Bangladeshi film “Nirvana” has added another accolade to its growing list of international achievements, winning the Jury Award at the Gange Sur Seine International Film Festival in France. This follows its earlier win at the Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF), where it earned the Special Jury Award.
Director Asif Islam, expressing his excitement, stated, “Winning another Jury Award in Paris is a joy for our entire team. Seeing Nirvana captivate juries across the world is an incredible experience and a proud moment for us as Bangladeshi filmmakers.”
Islam highlighted the growing global recognition of Bangladeshi films, saying, “Bangladeshi cinema is gaining respect on the world stage. It's time we create a more supportive environment for filmmakers, and I'm confident Bangladesh will soon be known for producing meaningful films.”
Nirvana, a silent film set in a factory, follows the struggles of three workers and features lead performances by Priyam Archi, Fatema Tuz Zohra, and Imran Mahathir. Archi described the film as a "meditative experience," explaining that the absence of dialogue allows viewers to focus on the unspoken emotions and internal conflicts of the characters.
The film's unique approach was born out of necessity. Due to the high noise levels in the transformer factory where it was shot, director Islam made the creative decision to tell the story without dialogue. Shot in black and white, Nirvana employs a minimalist style, complemented by sound designer Sukanta Majumder and composer Ben Roberts, whose ambient soundscape enhances the film’s emotional depth.
While Nirvana continues its international festival circuit, with upcoming screenings in Morocco, Spain, London, and India, Islam remains cautious about its prospects for a commercial release in Bangladesh, citing potential concerns over the film’s inclusion of LGBTQ themes.
Asif Islam remarked, “Nirvana proves that great films don't need big budgets—just a strong vision and a good story.”
