Nawshaba tries to portray uncomfortable reality of times on screen

Actress Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed is a familiar face to the audience for her acting. However, this time she is presenting herself in a different identity.

Although she has directed stage plays in addition to acting, she is going to direct a full-length film for the first time. The title of the film is ‘Someshwari’. Nawshaba has not only been behind the camera, but has also acted in this new movie.

The first full-length film she directed, which was recently completed, focuses on nature, rivers and human life.

The film, which was shot in and around Madhyanagar, Sunamganj featured significant participation from local people. Nawshaba said that she ultimately had to stand in front of the camera herself as she could not find anyone suitable for the lead role in the story.

In the context of directing and acting, Nawshaba said, “‘Someshwari’ is an attempt to tell the story of nature along with nature. In this film, which focuses on environmental pollution, life in river-centered villages and the real experiences of people, I have presented my thoughts as a new director.

Since I have been familiar with rural life and people since childhood, I did not have to rush much with the character.

The cooperation of the people of Madhyanagar made the work easier. I have been directing on stage since 2028, but this is my first time directing a film.

It is produced under the banner of Green Films, which is a project under the International Academy of Film and Media. It feels good to be associated with such a project.”

Nawshaba said that in addition to international festivals, arrangements will be made so that the people of the country, especially those in the Haor region, can watch the film.

Apart from the new film, Nawshaba recently completed the shooting of the short film ‘Thanda Gosht 2.0’ in various locations in Dhaka.

The film is being directed and produced by Shah Newaz Khan Cju and Sumaiya Arju Muhu. Currently, post-production work is underway.

It is reported that the film will be sent to various film festivals in the country and abroad and will later be released on digital platforms.

The film is inspired by Saadat Hasan Manto’s famous short story ‘Thanda Gosht’. It is not a remake or direct adaptation of the original story; rather, the themes of violence, moral crisis, guilt, and humanitarian catastrophe that arise in Manto’s literature are re-presented in the reality of contemporary Bangladesh, said Nawshaba.

The story will show that while investigating the reasons for the abnormalities in the relationship of a middle-class couple, a terrible truth that has been suppressed for a long time gradually comes to light. Personal crimes, guilt and the impact on his family are the main themes of the film.

Regarding the film, Nawshaba said, “The story of the short film ‘Thanda Gosht 2.0’ is extraordinary. The director has been thinking about this story for almost six years.

The recent incidents of violence against women and children have deeply moved him.

Therefore, he has tried to fearlessly portray the uncomfortable reality of the time on screen. The actors have given their best. I hope the audience will like the work.”

Earlier, Nawshaba received praise for acting in the short film ‘Paapbazaar’ in 2022.
On the one hand, she is directing her first full-length film ‘Someshwari’, and on the other hand, she has acted in the new short film ‘Thanda Gosht 2.0’. Although the content of the two works is different, they have one thing in common – a bold attempt to tell the story of society, people, and reality.

Through these two different works, ‘Thanda Gosht 2.0’ based on social reality, and ‘Someshwari’, which tell the story of nature and the environment, Nawshaba is proving that she wants to create her own unique identity not only as an actress, but also as a director and storyteller.

This new journey of Nawshaba in contemporary Bangladeshi cinema is therefore becoming another new chapter of possibilities.