Dhaka DocImpact Lab was a three-day workshop that united an outstanding group of Bangladeshi filmmakers with a distinguished panel of mentors from both the USA and Bangladesh.
Perspective Fund served as the primary funding partner for the Dhaka DocImpact Lab. Non-funding partners included Bengal Foundation, Global Impact Producers Alliance (GIPA), Firelight Media House, and the Asian American Documentary Network (A-Doc).
Over the span of three intense and inspiring days, our six exceptionally talented filmmakers delved deeply into their innovative projects, each addressing critical societal issues with a fresh perspective. This immersive workshop provided a platform for profound creative development and exploration. Throughout the event, the filmmakers received invaluable guidance and mentorship from our esteemed panel of experts. These mentors, drawn from both the USA and Bangladesh, offered their extensive experience and insights, significantly enriching the filmmakers' projects and enhancing their overall artistic vision. The workshop kicked off on Friday, June 7th, 2024 with a vibrant opening ceremony attended by filmmakers, mentors, and organisers. The event was graced by Luva Nahid Chowdhury, Trustee of Dhaka DocLab and Director General of Bengal Foundation, and Nasiruddin Yousuf, Chairman of Dhaka DocLab.
Mentors
· Ximena Amescua Cuenca, Manager of Artist Programs at Firelight Media
· Gerry Leonard, Impact Initiative Co-Lead, A-Doc
· Rahi Hasan, Filmmaker, Impact Strategist, and Co- Founder of Undocumented Filmmakers Collective
· Tareq Ahmed, Director, Dhaka DocLab
· Elizabeth D. Costa . Filmmaker & Mentor
· Rafiqul Anowar Russell, Filmmaker, Mentor & Teacher
Project Participants
The Dhaka DocImpact Lab has spotlighted several groundbreaking projects:
- "Doprujhiri" by Asma Beethe explores the water crisis impacting the Mro community in the hills.
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"Song of Sunflower" by Abid Sarker Shohag shares the inspiring journey of a blind musician.
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"Waiting For Winter" by Farid Ahmed examines the resilience of a homeless single mother.
- "Pankauri" by Jafar Muhammad focuses on a pebble collector’s life amid the challenges of climate change in northern Bangladesh.
- "Aanda Story" by Shakhawat Hossen investigates the complex relationship between man and nature
- "Embracing Fatherhood" by Partha Sen Gupta offers a poignant portrayal of redefined fatherhood in difficult times.
Case Study & Presentation
The workshop featured a series of in-depth case studies and discussions, facilitated by mentors and professionals both from within the country and internationally.
Notable projects included:
- "To Kill a Tiger" by Zainab Sultan ( Filmmaker & Impact Producer)
- "A Mandolin in Exile" by Rafikul Anwar (Russel)
- "On the Divide" by Florencia, Program Lead for Learning and Filmmaker Outreach at Peace is Loud
- "Bangla Surf Girls" by Elizabeth D. Costa
- “Doc Society Climate Story Unit” by Emily Wanja (Director of American Programmes, Doc Society)
These sessions provided valuable insights and critical feedback, contributing to the development and refinement of each filmmaker's work.
On the final day of the workshop, filmmakers presented their films and impact strategies in a mock pitch session, demonstrating their creative progress and strategic planning.
With the workshop now complete, the filmmakers are embarking on the next phase of their journey. They have two months to develop impactful campaigns and prepare compelling pitch decks. In January, 2025 projects will be presented in an official pitch session, set to spark meaningful change through the power of storytelling.