Filmmaker Rasel Ahmed’s debut feature film “Nree” is about the essence of humanity, it tries to portray the message that trivial matters like race and belief are not enough to create division between people. The strongest bond that ties everyone together is the shared bond of being human.
The 130-minute digital film will release next year.
In a conversation with Dhaka Tribune, Rasel Ahmed expressed hopes that the film will present the local audience with a different experience as it features work by talented cinematographer of Bangladesh Daniel Dany, Eon and Doyeedt.
What is the film about?
Well, the film is about a man named Jageshwar who is a believer of universal religion of humanity and a vagabond. It is a drama-thriller about a family where two siblings Bishu and Bidhu lives alone.
Bishu’s mother died when he was an infant and his sister Bidhu was almost 8 years of age, their father Jageshwar was lost to them at the time of their mother’s death.
After a much struggling childhood without any parent to give guidance, Bidhu is now at the prime of youth. Still there was no trace of Jageshwar, this is the first time he went away for such a lengthy span of time.
Despite his whimsical nature, Jagashwar was a caring father. He kept year long food supply in the house for he was aware that his children would suffer for his capricious nature. He inherited some cultivable land from his ancestors. By giving lease to sharecroppers, they used to have food supply from their own land.
But in the long absence of Jagashwar, the sharecroppers started to cheat his kids in order to desecrate his lands. So, the kids found themselves between a rock and a hard place.
When the poverty went beyond tolerance, Bidhu decided to work, any kind of work. Little Bishu became worried for his sister, but, there was little he could do to change the situation.
How did you come up with the story?
It came to me when I was talking with two Undertakers who deal with disposal of corpses. They are lower caste Hindu, formerly considered untouchables. They travelled a lot and when they used to come back, they had interesting stories with of human beings.
Their thinking about humanity and religion really inspired me a lot. It was a great lesson that I acquired from them, “treating everyone with compassion and not be negligent towards human beings for their class or caste.”
Was it challenging for you to manage commercial release for the film?
It was challenging because of the social situation. But, we are hoping it will get better soon. Also lack of proper theatres and digital projections are an issue. But, there are new theaters coming up which is good news for film-makers all around the country.
What would be the major attractions for the audience?
I believe it is a unique film, unlike anything that has been created in Bangladesh before. It is a fresh story with new faces. The story is an unforgettable journey which will leave the audience to think things over, while giving them an emotional ride.