I have been raised up like a boy child by my parents while they do not have any boy. Since childhood, I was determine to take all sorts of responsibilities of my parents. It was back in 2006, while there was a tendency to do BBA, like many others, I also started my under graduation on business at ULAB(University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh). But I was thirsting to get involved any innovative or creative sector, so that, after a while, I decided to change my discipline and got admitted under Media Studies and Journalism department in the same university and I was the student of first batch of respective department. Sakwat Sir, one of the respected teachers from ULAB, kept me inspiring to study in this field. After completing graduation, I did my post graduation under Television & Film Study department at University of Dhaka.
During my whole under graduation life, my father did not make a single conversation with me which made me frustrated. He raised his concern towards my future and became downhearted by thinking how her daughter would earn her livelihood by producing cinema.Because he never anticipated to see her daughter as a film maker while the society was not ready to acknowledge a female film maker who will back from her work at late hours after accomplishing her shooting. In addition, there was not any particular time schedule for this job. Even people put up with a poor mindset towards the word ‘shooting’. Conversely, my mother is the only person who always keep me going whatever I desire to do. A number of criticisms and adverse notes have been faced by my mother too. Fortunately, she was strong enough to handle those unwanted circumstance. Along with my mother few people supported me unconditionally specially my sister, mentors and even some of my male friends.I have been blessed to have continued support from veteran film maker Late Tareque Masud and Catherine Masud which inspired me to move forward. After getting Catherine Masud as a mentor, I started believing that a strong woman can extend her hands to lift up another woman with full of her energy.
I started my journey with a film namely ‘Run Way’ which was directed by Late Tareque Masud. Since then a number of doors kept open for my future.Gradually, I commenced working with BBC Media Action as script supervisor and assistant producer.Meanwhile, I have made 1 film named ‘Bangla Surf Girls’, 2 video documentaries on climate change for BBC Media Action and worked for some international organizations. I have been acknowledged by some mentorships as a token of appreciation.
Chicken & Egg Pictures Accelerator Lab – In 2017, I have been selected as first Bangladeshi female filmmaker from worldwide among 10 filmmakers from worldwide.
IDFA Academy – I have also been nominated as first Bangladeshi female filmmaker for IDFA Academy among 100 filmmakers from worldwide in 2017
Film Independent documentary lab: My film will be presented in Film Independent Documentary Lab (March 16th 2020 ).
As I have been working in this ground for last 11 years including 7 years as a documentary film maker, had to go through some distinctive experiences. While working in a remote area of Bangladesh,I had to experience some rejection by men whereas I have also been appreciated by many village women. Being a female, am I strong enough to hold my hefty camera or instruments, had to face this question several times. I was taught by the veteran director Late Mishuk Munier how to hold my own responsibilities by myself. However, in every way of life, I had to show my excellence, skills and perfection through my work to prove myself as equally worthy like a male colleague as we are still bordered by a stigma of women capacity, aptitude and knowledge.
I must say to my junior fellows, those who are aspiring to build career in a nontraditional track that be patient and never step backward just because of people’s criticism towards you.Hold the attitude and courage to do something inimitable and innovative.
A documentary film industry should be established in Bangladesh on up coming days. Along with this, experts as a story teller should be selected from our home as they are pretty much aware of the norms, values and customs of Bangladesh than that of people from another land.
