The HFF School of Film and Visual Arts, in collaboration with Ground Zero Bangladesh, recently concluded three impactful masterclasses as part of its Praxis: Film and Visual Arts program, aimed at nurturing early-career Bangladeshi filmmakers. From documentary filmmaking to film direction and cinematography, these sessions connected participants with industry veterans for hands-on learning and professional insights.
Masterclass on Documentary Filmmaking with Humaira Bilkis
On October 26, renowned documentarian Humaira Bilkis led a session on the art of documentary storytelling. Drawing from her acclaimed film Things I Could Never Tell My Mother, she delved into capturing authentic human experiences, emphasizing the power of personal narratives in documentaries. This intimate session inspired participants to approach storytelling with greater emotional depth and aesthetic awareness.
Masterclass on Film Direction with Sukorno Shahed Dhiman
Held on October 25, this session provided insights into film direction under the guidance of Sukorno Shahed Dhiman, known for Bunker Boy, Mahut, and the box-office hit Hawa. Dhiman shared his creative process, discussing techniques in direction and the essential role of art direction in film. With an inside look into his forthcoming series Feu, attendees gained valuable knowledge on enhancing storytelling through visual detail.
Masterclass on Cinematography with Barkat Hossain Polash
Cinematography took center stage in a two-part masterclass on October 25-26, where Barkat Hossain Polash shared his expertise in lighting, framing, and visual composition. Known for his work on Jalal’s Story, The Last Post Office, and the popular series Taqdeer and Mohanagar, Polash provided an immersive look into crafting captivating visuals, enriched by his experiences with Berlinale Talents and Kyoto Film Lab.
With each masterclass limited to ten dedicated participants, the program provided a rare opportunity for one-on-one mentorship with some of Bangladesh’s leading cinematic voices. This successful collaboration underscores the shared commitment of HFF School of Film and Visual Arts and Ground Zero Bangladesh to support the next generation of Bangladeshi filmmakers.
