International: Bangladesh has achieved a major milestone at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious cinematic events. The Blind Girl and an Elephant—known in Bengali as Sãkota Dulchhe (The Bridge Is Swaying)—the debut feature film by young filmmaker Ishtiaq Ahmed Jihad, has won the award for Best Cinematography.

The winners were announced on Saturday during the 28th Golden Goblet Awards ceremony. Competing in the Asian New Talent section, the Bangladesh-Germany co-production earned Bangladeshi cinematographer Samiul Karim Suptok the Best Cinematography award.

Shot entirely in black and white, the 80-minute film portrays the struggles of three women in rural Bangladesh, highlighting themes of social superstition, patriarchal realities, and oppression. The story revolves around a visually impaired young woman’s journey toward fulfilling her dreams, intertwined with the mysterious presence of an elephant.

The film was written and directed by Ishtiaq Ahmed Jihad, while Manoj Pramanik served as producer. The Bangladesh-Germany co-production features performances by Sanzida Akter Swarna, Tahmida Rahman Touhida, Sumaiya Haque, Ashok Byapari, Sabiha Zaman, Pankaj Majumdar, Munsif Mim, Nishat Tasnim, Mamun Reza, Robius Sani, Faisal, Piyal Sarkar, and Rizwan.

The award marks a significant achievement for Bangladesh’s film industry and further highlights the growing international recognition of the country’s emerging filmmakers.

Source: Nahar–Sakib, CMG Bangla.