Talented youngster Amit Ashraf’s debut feature film “Udhao” which got a number of prestigious awards in different International film festivals, is set to be commercially released in August, said the director to Dhaka Tribune.
The 96-minute digital film received Best Narrative Feature Award in Logan Film Festival, USA; Best in Fest Award in Buttered Corn Film Festival, USA; Rising Star Award in Canada International Film Festival and a few more.
n a conversation, Amit Ashraf expressed hopes that the film will offer a different experience to the local audience as it features works by English cinematographer Kyle Heslop, Jacob Joffee, a movie score composer from Los Angeles, and editor David Diperstein from Philadelphia.
What is the film about?
It is a drama-thriller about men who run from their family responsibility and a school-van pedaling bounty hunter named Babu who promises to bring them to justice. His life’s mission comes to an ultimate crossroad when he meets his biggest prey: a corrupt politician named Akbar. Convinced an evil spirit possessed him, Babu captures Akbar and forces him to retrace the winding and dark path that led him there.
How did you get the idea for this story?
It came to me when talking to my grandmother’s maid. The young woman had started working as a housemaid after her husband left her in the village with three children to feed. She wished somehow someone could find him for some closure.
Was it challenging for you to manage commercial release of the film?
It was challenging because of the political 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 we are happy for.
What would be the major attractions for the audience here?
I believe it is a unique film, unlike anything made in Bangladesh. It is a fresh story with new talent faces, and a post-production has been finalised in Los Angeles and New York. The film music is a fantastic mix of West meets Bangla instruments.
It was recorded and mixed in Hollywood. The story is a haunting journey which will leave the audience thinking while giving them an emotional ride. I believe the film represents collaboration with Bangla film and foreign talent from UK, USA and India.
