Two Bangladesh-linked film projects selected for DANAFF Talents and Project Market

Two Bangladesh-linked film projects have been selected for the DANAFF Talents and Project Market, a key industry platform of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) in Vietnam.

The selected projects are "Alowkik Rajhas", the debut feature by Bangladeshi filmmaker Rajib Rafi, and "Before the Earth Collapses", a multinational co-production directed by Japanese filmmaker Noriko Yuasa.

Inspired by a Bangladeshi folktale, "Alowkik Rajhas" seeks to reinterpret a traditional story for contemporary audiences. According to director Rajib Rafi, the project is still in the early stages of development, with work on the screenplay currently underway.

“The script is still being developed, while we are simultaneously seeking funding for the project,” Rafi said. “Finding producers for independent or art-house films remains challenging in Bangladesh. Receiving an invitation from a platform like DANAFF is therefore a significant achievement for us.”

He noted that only 10 Asian art-house projects have been selected for this year's programme. Through pitching sessions, participating filmmakers will have the opportunity to present their projects to international producers and potential partners.

“There will also be workshops on co-production strategies. Altogether, it is an important platform for emerging filmmakers,” he added.

Producer Aadnan Imtiaz Ahmed is expected to travel to Vietnam on June 27 to represent the project. The film's producing team also includes acclaimed filmmaker Rubaiyat Hossain and producer Ashique Mostafa. DANAFF's official project list identifies the project under its English title, "Golden Swan".

The second Bangladesh-linked project, "Before the Earth Collapses", will be directed by Noriko Yuasa and developed as a co-production involving Japan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Bangladeshi producer Tanveer Hossain is attached to the project alongside Nepali producer Prabin Kumar Rawat and Yuasa herself.

Tanveer Hossain previously produced the short film "Ali", which received a Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025. Prabin Kumar Rawat, meanwhile, worked as production manager on the acclaimed Nepali film "The Black Hen", which won the Venice International Film Critics' Week Award at the Venice Film Festival in 2015.

Launched as a talent development and project incubation platform, DANAFF Talents and Project Market brings together emerging filmmakers, producers, mentors and financiers from across Asia. This year's Da Nang Asian Film Festival is scheduled to run from June 28 to July 4 in Vietnam.