When Embassy of France in Bangladesh hosted a celebration party at the residence of France post Kamar Ahmed's success at the 67th Cannes Film Festival, Dhaka Tribune lost no time in hearing the experience from the aspiring director.
The red carpet experience...
It was a privilege for me and Sara to be invited to the red carpet segment. When we got the invitation to walk the “glamour walk,” of the red carpet, I found out that all the attending male guests were asked to wear a tuxedo. I didn’t stand by these rules. I wanted to wear my traditional black Punjabi and don a black shawl with Bangla texts. I was adamant about my choice of attire and faced obstacles at the security check during the event. When my name was announced, I walked down the red carpet in my black Punjabi, with my head held high. Sara attended the event in a traditional white Jamdani sari.
Did you get to interact with the other directors?
We had very little time to spend with one another. All the directors were busy with networking and meetings.
I believe I am a very sensitive, impulsive and emotional person and during my interaction with the young directors, I found that we all had those features in common.
Do you think you were able to represent Bangladesh?
I don't know whether I am worthy of the claim, but it was my utmost effort to showcase Bangladesh through my lens.
How was the response to “Shunte Ki Pao”(Are You Listening?)?
When directors of l’Institut Français and Cinémas du Monde said: “I saw your movie,” it was all the reward I could hope for.
Your present projects...
I am planning to make a feature film titled “Shonkhodhoni.” I started writing this film when “Shunte Ki Pao” was in the production phase. “Shonkhodhoni” is a very personal film for me. It is based on my own childhood when I lost one of my best friends. I will only make it, if I think I can make it in my own way...otherwise I think, I should not.
