16 female directors selected for ‘Sultana’s Dream’ film workshop

Sultana's Dream, a platform that promotes filmmaking opportunities to women, have chosen 16 talented filmmakers who will get the chance to go through a workshop to learn the art of filmmaking.

The talented filmmakers will have to go through a month long workshop training.

Finally, 3 brilliant filmmakers will be selected to direct the short film "Breaking the Silence," said a press release.

The top 16 names were announced on 8 March programme and the show was hosted by noted actress Novera Rahman.

Special guests at the programme were film critic and journalist Sadia Khaled Riti and Goethe-Institut of Bangladesh director Kristen Hackenbrook.

Film-maker Rubaiyat Hossain was also present at the program exchanging views with the participants.

The 16 lucky winners are: Laboni Ashraf, Atashi Kormokar, Fatiha Tayra, Zahara Najifa Nova, Nusrat Jahan Ishat, Farah Jolil, Afrida Mehazabein, Fariha Begum Raya, Fazana Noor, Neha Shamim, Fariya Manar, Monon Muntaka, Mahmuda Akhter Monisha, Prachita Ohona Alom, Tijaya Thomas, and Mohammed Shihab.

Film-maker Rubaiyat Hossain said, "In order to flourish the film industry, we need more female directors. I was really impressed with all the stories written in the competition. We have primarily chosen 16 contestants from the completion and from there on we will select the 3 winners."

Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women's education in South Asia, wrote "Sultana's Dream" in 1902. It is a story set in a world where women operate in the public space, and in order to maintain purdah, men have gone into the zenanas (inner quarters). In this world, women can take up public space without fear or guilt.

The platform, in partnership with Khona Talkies and distribution partner Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, will provide mentorship, logistics and financial support for the selected projects.