The first ever Weekend Film Challenge Dhaka, hosted by the Short Film Lab (SFL), a community service organisation based in Doha, Qatar, sponsored by Excelerate Energy, US-based LNG company, culminated in a standing room only screening and awards ceremony on 26 October, showcasing short films produced by local teams made in just 48 hours.
Each team crafted digital stories focused on the challenges of climate change, bringing unique and poignant perspectives to the forefront, said a press release.
Led by Dr Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar, Founder and Creative Director of the SFL, and accompanied by Ella Riddle and Sara Eassa, students in Qatar who are also alumni of the SLF mentorship program in Doha, the entire experience was made possible by the support of Excelerate Energy, major LNG provider to Bangladesh. Habib Bhuiyan, country manager of Excelerate Energy was present at the award distribution ceremony. The program comes under the company’s aims to support local talent and businesses, as well as contribute to education programs in their operating countries, thereby bringing benefits to the generations of today and tomorrow.
15 completed films were screened to a captivated audience at the EMK Center, with five awards and an honorable mention recognizing the talents and ingenuity of these emerging filmmakers. The winning films tackled topics from water pollution to environmental neglect and climate displacement, demonstrating how young storytellers are using film to advocate for environmental action.
Judged by Sadia Khalid Reeti, renowned Bangladeshi filmmaker, who has sat on juries served on several international juries including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France, winning teams were awarded a range of prizes including vouchers from the Intercontinental Dhaka, Treehouse restaurant, as well as Grameen Danone.
Among the top 6 films were Best Comedy for Climate Darkness by the Shapers, led by Mahi Noor, which highlighted the irony of humanity's exploitation of nature, shedding light on the hypocrisy of "green" acts that are soon overshadowed by pollution and waste.
Best Cinematography for Climate Refugees of Bangladesh by the Think Tankers, led by Shah Newaz Khan Cju, which was inspired by World Bank projections, this film addresses the looming threat of displacement for millions of Bangladeshis, raising critical questions about urban readiness for incoming climate refugees.
Best Drama for Poetry of Dystopia by Chalchitra in which a rapidly urbanizing Dhaka, a restless protagonist battles with anxiety and finds solace in nature, reveals a poignant struggle between environmental preservation and urban chaos.
Best Editing for Waves of Waste by BVF Films, led by Mohammed Mahmudul Hassan Galib, which explores the grim consequences of unchecked water pollution, asking audiences to reflect on the future if this issue continues to be ignored.
Most Original Screenplay for Airborne Abyss by Blurry Lens of Chaos that showed a world struggling for breathable air, a father sacrifices everything to protect his family, capturing the dire stakes of climate inaction.
Honorable Mention for Hues of Tomorrow by the Kiwis. Set within the confines of a single room, a woman confronts her past choices and the environmental crises she faces, embodying a call to action for both personal and global change.
The Weekend Film Challenge Dhaka exemplifies SFL’s mission to empower young filmmakers and give them a platform to share their voices on critical issues. Selected films will be submitted for consideration at international film festivals, extending the reach of these impactful stories to global audiences.
For more information and updates, visit SFL’s Instagram page, where details of future challenges and screenings are regularly posted.
