Iqbal⁣ H. Chowdhury returns to Busan with new film ‘Dhakar Nagin’

Bangladeshi-Canadian filmmaker Iqbal H. Chowdhury, fresh off his ⁢recent win at the 2023 Busan International Film Festival for ​ “The Wrestler”, ​has another captivating project up his sleeve. His new‌ film, “Dhakar ‌Nagin”, is already⁢ generating⁢ buzz as it enters the festival’s Asian Project Market (APM).

Exploring Dhaka ⁤in the early ‍2000s

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Dhaka in the early 2000s, “Dhakar Nagin” follows‍ the journey of a film journalist on a mission. The protagonist is in search of a controversial B-movie star amidst a societal crackdown on ‌vulgar films. This storyline promises to dive deep into the ‍culture‍ and cinematic landscape of Bangladesh during this tumultuous period.

Inspiration from personal⁢ essays

Chowdhury’s inspiration for ​the film comes from his days at York University in Toronto. His MA thesis centered around popular⁣ Bangladeshi cinema, particularly focusing on the various dance moves⁤ of​ Bangladeshi film stars. Chowdhury reflects, “Watching Bangla films in the cinema has always been ⁣a guilty pleasure of mine. ⁢Nagin [snake] musicals, dramatic fight scenes, elaborate ⁣dance numbers, and intense melodrama created a uniquely exciting experience for audiences. Growing up with such cinema, ⁢I yearn for those extraordinary elements and the sense of guilty pleasure they provided.”

The essence‍ of a nagin musical

For those unfamiliar with the genre, a nagin musical refers to South Asian films⁤ featuring a storyline about a shape-shifting serpent ‌woman, commonly known as a nagin or naagin. These mythical ⁤creatures from folklore often seek revenge or ⁣love and the films usually ⁣blend elements of⁢ fantasy, folklore, drama, and romance.⁤ This genre has a rich history and⁤ has captivated audiences for decades with its unique storytelling and visual ​elements.

A new world for audiences

Chowdhury aims‍ to transport his viewers into a mesmerizing world. As he puts it, “Rather than ⁣conveying ‍a specific message, I want to invite my audience into my extraordinary ‘world.’ My challenge is to make ​that world unique and astonishing.” This ambition speaks volumes about his dedication to crafting an immersive cinematic experience.

Celebrating a creative partnership

Chowdhury is teaming up ⁣with Tuhin Tamijul for this project. ​Tamijul, ‌a celebrated⁣ cinematographer in Bangladesh, has an impressive portfolio, including credits for “The Wrestler,” ‌Abdullah⁤ Mohammed Saad’s Cannes entry “Rehana,” and the Rotterdam selection “Live From Dhaka.” The collaboration ​between Chowdhury and ⁣Tamijul promises ​to be a ​powerhouse of creativity and ⁢expertise.

A project with potential

With a budget projected between ⁣$250,000 and $300,000, the production is set to begin ‌mid-2025, contingent on ⁣securing funding and other essential factors. The team is actively seeking co-productions, financing, production support, and pre-sales at ‍APM. This⁤ proactive‍ approach‍ signifies their commitment to bringing this vision to life.

Tamijul expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “I am ⁢very‌ excited about the film’s subject matter. We developed a strong understanding while working on ‘The Wrestler.’ I am confident in Iqbal’s ability to bring the film to life with ⁣both skill​ and integrity.”

A market and ⁢an opportunity

The Asian Project Market (APM) is a‍ significant platform⁤ where filmmakers can showcase their projects to potential investors, distributors,⁣ and production⁤ companies. By‌ entering “Dhakar Nagin” into APM, Chowdhury and ‌his team are placing their film in ⁤a prime position to attract the necessary backing to bring ​this⁣ ambitious project‌ to fruition. Given ⁤the attention​ “The Wrestler” received, it’s evident that industry professionals have their eyes on Chowdhury’s next move.

A nostalgic journey

The‍ sense ⁤of nostalgia and cultural recall evident in⁢ “Dhakar Nagin” positions it as a film worth anticipating. ​By‍ revisiting the cinematic elements that‍ once thrilled audiences, Chowdhury taps into a⁣ collective memory, offering⁢ both reverence to the ⁤past and innovation⁤ for the present. His exploration of Bangladeshi cinema’s heyday, ⁢through a narrative⁣ lens that blends mystery and‌ socio-political commentary, is promising an enchanting cinematic experience.

Film enthusiasts and industry insiders alike are encouraged‌ to ⁤keep an eye on “Dhakar Nagin” as⁤ it progresses through APM and‍ beyond. The project highlights ⁤a rich tapestry of Bangladeshi art and culture, poised to⁤ captivate audiences with ⁣its‍ unique storyline and vivid storytelling.

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