Archive · 29 Sep 2025
Bangladesh's 'Barir Naam Shahana' Enters Oscar Race
Bangladesh has selected the movie 'Barir Naam Shahana' to compete for an Oscar.
It's the first film by director Leesa Gazi, based on her own book.
The movie tells the story of a young woman, Dipa, whose life changes after she marries someone in England and faces abuse.
She returns home and challenges social norms, working towards becoming a doctor.
Aanon Siddiqua plays the lead role.
The movie has already received praise and won an award, and has been shown at several film festivals.
The Academy will announce which films are shortlisted and nominated later in the year.
'Barir Naam Shahana' is Bangladesh's entry for the Oscars.
The film is directed by Leesa Gazi and based on her novella.
It tells the story of Dipa, a woman facing challenges in Bangladesh.
Aanon Siddiqua plays the lead role of Dipa.
The film has won an award and been shown at multiple film festivals.
- Who
- The film 'Barir Naam Shahana'
- What
- Chosen as Bangladesh's entry for the 98th Academy Awards.
- When
- The film will be considered for the Academy Awards in December and January.
- Where
- Set in rural Bangladesh, and shown at film festivals internationally.
- Why
- To compete for the Best International Feature Film Oscar.
- Film Title
- 'Barir Naam Shahana'
- Director
- Leesa Gazi
- Main Actress
- Aanon Siddiqua
- Based On
- Novella by Leesa Gazi
- Production Companies
- Komola Collective, Goopy Bagha Productions
- Award Won
- Film Critics Guild Gender Sensitivity Award
- Film Festivals
- MAMI Mumbai, London Indian, Dhaka International, Kolkata People’s