Independent shorts by emerging filmmakers
Today, film is arguably presented as a marketing tool rather than a form of art. An odd conundrum we see nowadays is films made in Bangladesh premiering internationally, but yet to see a theatrical release locally. Sameer Ahmed of Gao Productions once commented that filmmakers are often stuck in a circle of "agenda, corporate interests, TV channel guidelines", and it is only within these bounds that they are free to experiment.
That being said, a new generation of independent filmmakers are emerging, and some of their content is free to consume online. The ubiquity of social media has made it so that there is an ocean of content online, but often it is easy for good content to become lost in the noise. Here is a list of five must-watch short films and music videos, in no particular order, that are a simple click away, and are worthy of attention.
Indalo's 'Hobeki?'
A music video with a hefty, suspenseful storyline and stunning visual effects, this short aligns perfectly with Indalo's eerie guitar riffs. The producer, Tawsif Akkas, supposedly worked with the director, Ejaz Mehedi, entirely from a different country and despite that, the attention to detail in its world-building is praiseworthy. It is available for viewing on the YouTube channel, Indalomusic.
The Shell
A spare, minimalistic horror short by Monzur Anik, with commendable attention to sound design and a simple but effective storyline. This short is available for viewing on the YouTube channel, Filmesque.
W(dot): Be a Digital Superhero
Winner of the Special Prize at Star-BracU's Short Film Competition in 2019, this short film was made with no budget, and follows the theme of 'Digital Bangladesh'. It's quirky, hilarious, and action-packed with very effective dialogue. It is available for viewing on Wasi Noor Azam's Vimeo channel.
Just a glance
A wonderfully introspective monologue by Ragheeb Faatih Moazzem, who goes by the alias 'Robindronath' online. This short manages to speak volumes without literally voicing a single word. It is available for viewing on Robindronath's IGTV.
Alif
Jubo Zubayer Hossain's short depicts a Kafkaesque tale with strong social commentary. This surreal short has circuited on numerous festivals, winning awards along the way. It is available for viewing on YouTube via the deafripENT channel.