1 MINUTE PLEASE!
1 MINUTE PLEASE!
'Udhao' tells the story of a rickshaw puller cum bounty hunter who is bent on finding some runaways and force them to return to the families they had left behind. Among other awards, the movie was recognised as the Best Feature Film at the Portugal Underground Film Festival and the Best Feature Narrative Award at the Logan Film Festival. It, thus, becomes difficult to believe that this moving, award-winning narrative was the debut venture of director Amit Ashraf. Apart from directing it, Ashraf also wrote the script of the movie. We are eagerly waiting for this young talent's next project, an animated feature film 'Dreamstage' which is expecting a release in 2016.
Your Ambition as a Child
I used to doodle in the corner of my school notebooks as a child and even participated in high school plays. I think I always wanted to be involved with the arts from a very young age.
Your Inspiration
Satyajit Ray, Wong Kar Wai, Quentin Tarantino, Hayao Miyazaki, David Lynch and Michel Gondry.
Challenges Faced by Young Filmmakers
I think the availability and accessibility of funds is the most difficult challenge that young filmmakers usually face.
Qualities Needed to be a Good Filmmaker
Firstly, you need to have a strong vision; you need to have a clear picture of the film you want to make. Secondly, you have to be a people's person but at the same time know how to stand your ground.
Your Biggest Achievement
When 'Udhao' was premiered in Sweden, it was a full house. I am glad that the show achieved critical success even in Bangladesh.
Upcoming Project
I am working on the first feature animated film of Bangladesh called 'Dreamstage,' which will be a retelling of local myths and folk tales. For this movie, I am partnering with Zubuyer Kaolin of Ogniroth Studios. We aim to release the movie in the country as well in other countries.