Filmmakers Asif Islam and Faisal Roddy have joined hands for an experimental family drama film titled “Pathshala” (Place of Learning) that deals with personal ambition, friendship and struggles faced by a young boy. The film, scripted by Faisal, is likely to hit theatres in December.
Asif Islam, one of the directors, told Dhaka Tribune: “It took more than a year for the story to be developed, but we're quite happy with the progress so far. We're particularly working on the audience's areas of interest since a film's success lies in how they receive it.”
The film will see a commercial release across the country as well as potential showings at some international film festivals. The producers are also planning to host special screenings of the film for non-resident Bangladeshis in several countries.
The story of the film revolves around ten-year-old Manik, who leaves home for an undisclosed reason, although it transpired that he was dutiful to his mother and was loved by teachers. He has a dream to pursue and an unfriendly city to live through all by himself.
As the days pass, Manik starts to realise that without education meeting his goal would be nearly impossible. He meets and befriends eight-year-old Chumki, who appears to him to have magical powers, and with her help, he continues his journey to fulfilling his dream.
The two vital characters, Manik and Chumki, are played by Habib Arinda and Ima Akter Kotha respectively, while other characters include Toufiqul Emon, Roksana Amin, Farahana Mithu, Rumy Huda Amirul Islam Babu and Selim Gatok.
There will be five songs in the 120-minute film, including an animation one, apparently the first of its kind in the Bangladesh film industry. The songs are rendered by Prithiraj, Tamim and Gareth Redford.
