"Padma'r Parey" Wins Bangladesh's First Oscar Nomination

Director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki's sweeping historical drama "Padma'r Parey" (Beyond the Padma) has been selected as Bangladesh's official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards — the country's most prestigious nomination in 53 years of Academy history submissions.

About the Film

Shot over four years with a cast of 200 and production spanning eight districts, the film portrays three generations of a Bengali family through the 1947 partition, 1952 Language Movement and 1971 Liberation War. Cinematographer Sumon Ahmed's work has drawn comparisons to Satyajit Ray and Bergman.

International Response

Following its premiere at Cannes where it won the Grand Prix du Jury, the film earned standing ovations at Toronto and Venice. International critics praised its emotional depth and visual grandeur. Netflix has acquired international streaming rights for 30 countries.

A Cultural Moment

"This nomination belongs to the martyrs of 1971 and to the Bengali language," said Farooki. The government has declared a National Film Day in celebration.