The festival, which features works by independent filmmakers from around the world, has previously hosted acclaimed directors such as Kiro Russo, Panah Panahi, Haile Gerima, and Shaji N Karun. This year, Bangladesh’s “Roid” has joined that distinguished line-up.

Meanwhile, Sayed Faiz said the film combines artistic strength with audience appeal across diaspora and broader markets, expressing enthusiasm about bringing it to cinemas in Australia and New Zealand.

Kanai Das Baul, a visually impaired folk artist from West Bengal, died on April 18. Known for his spiritually rooted music and humanist philosophy, he spent his life travelling across villages, fairs and akhras with his ektara, performing songs that reflected devotion and the essence of humanity.

“Roid”, the latest film by Hawa-famed director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon, is set to be screened at the Seattle International Film Festival in the United States ahead of its domestic release.

Bangladeshi filmmaker Mezbaur Rahman Sumon’s latest feature film “Roid” has received a major international boost, with Widishaa Originals, the production house led by International Emmy Award-winning producer Apoorva Bakshi of “Delhi Crime” fame, joining the project as executive producer. The development was announced while the film is competing in the Tiger Competition section at the ongoing International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).

Official announcements have already been made for three of her upcoming films: Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s “Roid”, Raihan Rafi’s “Andhar”, and N Rashed Chowdhury’s “Shokhi Rongomala”.