Leesa Gazi's debut feature film, "Barir Naam Shahana" (A House Named Shahana), has achieved a noteworthy accomplishment in the realm of South Asian cinema by securing a spot in the main competition of the esteemed Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival 2023.
Following its recent accolade of the Gender Sensitivity Award presented by the Film Critics Guild of India, the film had the privilege of being judged by a distinguished panel comprising Aditya Srikrishna, Bharti Pradhan, and Stuti Ghosh.
The Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival 2023, scheduled for October 27 to November 5 in Mumbai, India, will have a special emphasis on directors from South Asia. This festival aims to provide an exclusive platform for these filmmakers to display their artistic skills on a global stage.
"Barir Naam Shahana" is gaining international recognition, with screenings at the BFI London Indian Film Festival, Birmingham Indian Film Festival, and Yorkshire Indian Film Festival in 2023.
This widespread exposure highlights the film's universal appeal and the impact of its storyline.
Leesa Gazi, explains that her debut film, "Barir Naam Shahana," tells the story of Dipa, a young divorced woman in 1990s Bangladesh who dares to live life on her terms, an act seen as rebellion due to societal stigma. Drawing from her own experience as a divorced woman, Gazi was inspired by the resilience of Bangladeshi women who face social challenges and still carve their own paths, with Dipa representing this courage. Leesa Gazi directed a film that delves into the intriguing narrative of Dipa, a divorced young woman residing in a rural town in 1990s Bangladesh. In the face of societal prejudices and the weight of family honor, Dipa defies conventions to forge her own unique path in life. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and unwavering determination of women who choose to live life on their own terms. Inspired by actual events, the movie explores the intricacies of Dipa's life, vividly depicting her challenges and unwavering resolve.
"Barir Naam Shahana" primarily had its filming conducted in a rural Bangladeshi town, and it also included some scenes filmed in a quaint English town. The film's authenticity is enhanced by the utilization of genuine locations and live sound recording, eliminating the necessity for post-production dubbing.
The dedicated cast and crew have breathed life into this poignant narrative, with Aanon Siddiqua taking on the role of the determined Dipa. The film also boasts a talented ensemble, including Lutfur Rahman George, Iresh Zaker, Kazi Ruma, Kamrunnahar Munni, Mugdhota Morshed Wriddhi, Amirul Haque Chowdhury, Naila Azad, Arif Islam, Naimur Rahman Apon, and Jayanto Chattopadhyay in key roles.
This film is co-written by Leesa Gazi and Aanon Siddiqua, with a talented creative team including Xoaher Musavvir as the cinematographer, Alex Unai Arrieta as the editor, and music composed by Sohini Alam and Oliver Weeks.
Sound is managed by Nahid Masud and Steve Cummings, and art direction is overseen by Shihab Nurun Nabi and Rahima Begum, with costume design by Tania Rahman.
"Barir Naam Shahana" is a production by Komola Collective, in collaboration with Goopy Bagha Productions Limited. The executive producers include Faisal Gazi and Krishnendu Chattopadhyay, with co-producers Abbas Nokhasteh (Openvizor), Arifur Rahman, and Bijon Imtiaz (Goopy Bagha Productions Limited).
Arifur Rahman, the producer, expressed his sentiment about Dipa's character, stating: "The character penned by Leesa deeply moved me because it's not a typical heroic figure; it closely reflects real-life experiences and resonates with our emotions."