Earlier, the film “Nishi,” directed by Golam Rabbani and Mohammad Zahirul Islam (Kochi), made history as the first Bangladeshi entry to be nominated in the 35-year history of the Environmental Media Association (EMA) Awards. Following its nomination, it went on to win in the IAFM – Eco Film Lab Residency category.
Sharing the news, director Golam Rabbani wrote, “It’s truly joyful news. Our film ‘Nishi’ has won an award at the 35th Emma Awards. For the first time, a Bangladeshi film has received this honor—a proud milestone in the history of Bangla cinema.”
He added, “Heartfelt thanks to my producers Bibesh Roy and Natalia Pośnik — the film wouldn’t have been this beautiful without you. And to our cool sound guy Thoi Shai Cholen Chil Dhori, much love. This achievement will further inspire my cinematic journey. Through my films, I wish to keep telling stories of life and nature.”
Produced with the support of the European Union in Bangladesh, Green Film School Alliance, and UNESCO Dhaka, “Nishi” tells the story of a tea garden worker’s daughter whose education is disrupted by a water crisis. A timber businessman, Lalchan, attempts to marry the underage girl under the pretext of installing a tubewell at her home.
The final editing, color grading, and sound work of the film were completed at the renowned Łódź Film School in Poland, with cinematography by Natalia Pośnik, an alumna of the school. The film was shot on location in a tea garden in Sylhet and nearby areas, featuring performances by the tea garden workers themselves.
Golam Rabbani noted that “Nishi” is now being submitted to various international film festivals, with screenings in Bangladesh planned for the near future.
