Nawshaba’s debut in film direction with ‘Someshwari’

Actress Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed is set to make her directorial debut with film ‘Someshwari’.

This film explores environmental degradation and its impact on rural communities in northeastern Bangladesh.

Known for her work across film, television and theatre, Nawshaba has remained active on stage through productions such as ‘Siddhartha’, directed
by Reza Arif and staged by Aarshinagar Dhaka.

She also founded the theatre troupe ‘Together We Can’, which works with children and people with special needs through creative and therapeutic arts initiatives.

Produced by Bibesh Roy, ‘Someshwari’ was filmed in Madhyanagar and nearby areas along the Someshwari River in Sunamganj.

The cast combines Nawshaba with first-time performers and local residents from the region.

Bibesh Roy previously produced feature film ‘Dhaner Kabya’, which was also inspired by stories from Madhyanagar area.

This time, he remains behind the scenes as producer while a collaborative team developed the new project.

According to the filmmakers, ‘Someshwari’ emerged through a collective creative process involving Nawshaba and several collaborators, including Apan, Lata and Zahid.

Rather than beginning with a completed screenplay, the team travelled to Madhyanagar and developed the story on location.

Speaking regarding the film, Nawshaba said she had not initially planned to appear in the movie.

However, after failing to find a suitable performer for the central role, she eventually stepped in as the lead actress.

She said her familiarity with rural Bangladesh helped her prepare for the role.

Nawshaba said, “My father often took me to villages across the country. I have a close understanding of rural life and the people who live there.

That made the process easier, and the people of Madhyanagar were incredibly supportive throughout the shoot.”

She said the film addresses the environmental consequences of unchecked modernisation and questions what kind of world is being left behind
for future generations.

The film ‘Someshwari’ has been produced under Green Films, a banner of the International Academy of Film and Media.