The Bangladeshi short film 'Darkaak' has been selected for three major international film festivals. Directed by Zayed Siddiki, the film will be showcased at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in Australia, the 10th Shimla International Film Festival in India, and the 13th DC South Asian Film Festival in the United States.
'Darkaak' is one of only 12 short films chosen for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. It will be available to Australian viewers on the festival’s online platform, IFFM365, from August 15 to 30. The film will compete for the Best International Short Film Award at the Shimla International Film Festival, which takes place at the historic Gaiety Theater Complex in Shimla from August 16 to 18. Additionally, 'Darkaak' will vie for the Best Short Jury and Audience Awards at the DC South Asian Film Festival, held in Washington DC from September 13 to 15. After the festival, it will be accessible to US audiences from September 16 to 30 on Eventine, the festival’s online platform.
Based on short stories by renowned writer Shahidul Zaheer, the film tells the story of Torab Sheikh, an elderly man who feels useless and neglected by his family. Played by Jayant Chatterjee, Torab Sheikh decides to disappear, making his family realize how much they needed him.
The film features Aminur Rahman Mukul, Iqbal Hossain, and Tuntuni Sobhan among others. Zayed Siddiki handled the film’s production, with support from executive producers Syed Shahzada Al Kareem, Israt Jahan, Saqib Iftekhar, and Haseeb Shakeel. The film’s message highlights the neglect of the elderly and aims to show that everyone is important, even as they grow old.
'Darkaak' has also been selected for nine other festivals in seven countries, including the 17th Bangladesh International Short and Independent Film Festival and the 12th Indo-German Film Week in Berlin.
