Director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon unveiled the trailer of his second feature film “Roid” at an event on 16 December, marking his return after the commercial success of “Hawa” in Bangladesh.
Produced by Bongo, a leading video streaming platform and production house, in association with Facecard Production, the film was introduced to global audiences through the trailer launch programme.
Before its domestic release, “Roid” secured selection in the Tiger Competition section of the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).
According to the organizers, this marks the first time a Bangladeshi full-length feature film has been selected in the festival’s main competition section.
The International Film Festival Rotterdam has previously showcased early works of filmmakers including Christopher Nolan and Bong Joon ho.
Speaking at the trailer launch, director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon said: “Through the story of Sadu, his mentally unstable wife and the palm tree beside their house, we attempted to reinterpret the primordial narrative of Adam and Eve. We reconstructed that ancient tale not in the present of time, but in the present of emotion. The atmosphere of rural Bengal as envisioned by artist SM Sultan is embedded in every layer of the film.”
Mushfiqur Rahman, producer of Bongo, said: “At a time when the country’s film industry is facing significant challenges, Mejbaur Rahman Sumon is among the few filmmakers who have offered hope. Bongo is proud to be associated with this project.”
The film features performances by Mostafizur Noor Imran, Nazifa Tushi, Gazi Rakayet and Ahsabul Yamin Riad, among others.
The story is written by Mejbaur Rahman Sumon and Selina Banu Mony. The screenplay is credited to Mejbaur Rahman Sumon, Jahin Faruk Amin, Siddique Ahmed and Sukarna Shahed Dhiman.