Samia Zaman’s second film, Akash Koto Dure, was released on Friday in two cinemas of the capital. The film has also been selected for the Festival International du Film Oriental de Geneve (FIFOG), which will be held in Switzerland. Written by famous lyricist Zulfiqer Russell and produced by Impress Telefilm Ltd, the star cast of the film includes Rajjak, Sharmila Ahmed, Mostafa Prokash, Lux Channel i superstar Fariya Hossain, Misha Showdagar, Ankon and child artists from Tokai Natyodol.
Recently, Dhaka Tribune caught up with Samia Zaman, who has previously achieved acclaims for her first directorial venture, Rani Kuthir Baki Itihash.
Akash Koto Dure changed its release date many times. What is the reason behind releasing it now?
It is true that I took a long time to release the film. I was waiting for the right moment, I wanted the audience to watch my film with happiness. I am very content to showcase this film at a festival. I am hopeful about my film after observing the audience response.
The film is being screened at two cinemas only. What are you going to do about making it more accessible for the mass?
It all depends on the owners of cinema halls. Distributors cannot do anything about it. This side of the fence belongs to the Impress Telefilm, as they are taking care of distribution and more. Owners of cinema halls are interested about Akash Koto Dure. Maybe next week, more cinema halls will be added to the list.
Is this a children’s film only?
I would not tag this movie solely as a children’s movie, though vital characters in the film are played by child actors. It has romantic elements as well. More emphasis is put on portraying human emotions.
What is the story behind choosing the title?
Akash Koto Dure is about an orphan named Bicchu, who is involved in criminal activity and always wants to reveal the sky, the freedom. I have named the film after a song’s title. I proposed the name to my unit and everyone agreed that it was a perfect name for the film.
How did you select the child artist?
The main character of the film, Bichhu, is played by child artist Ankan, who I decided to cast as he has some knowledge about acting. He was a bit experienced and it helped a lot in portraying this character.
Many directors submit their films in international film festivals before they release them in Bangladesh. What do you think about this?
I am interested in this kind of initiatives as it broadens the audience arena. Now, non-resident Bangladeshis are screening Bangladeshi films in many places in the UK and USA. Also, Akash Koto Dure will be screened in a film festival in Switzerland on April 6.
Did you start working on your next film?
Yes, I am working on a creation of Syed Shamsul Haque. I will start shooting for my new film at the end of this year.
