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Morshedul Islam

Any person growing up in Bangladesh in the 90's has at one point or the other in their childhood imagined themselves as an intuitive child detective, who went by the name Dipu. Every fan of Dipu, a character etched in the memory of children by the brilliant Zafar Iqbal, rushed to the cinemas when the film adaptation based on their favourite hero was released as 'Dipu Number 2.' The man behind the film seems to have a knack to beautifully express the defining characteristics of individuals. Be it 'Dipu Number 2', 'Amar Bondhu Rashed', 'Nouka O Jibon', 'Agami' or 'Khelaghor', internationally acclaimed filmmaker Morshedul Islam uses his storytelling abilities to transform simple narratives into complex visual treats. This week we spoke to the renowned film director about the people who inspired him, his regret regarding his film 'Dukhai', and the wish to have complete creative freedom when making a film.

Your Childhood Ambition
I can't recall what I wanted to be when I was a child. But from my college days, I was steadfast in my ambition to be a filmmaker.

Favourite Directors
Satyajit Ray, without a doubt. I am also inspired by Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Ritwik Ghatak.
 
Must have Qualities in a Filmmaker
First of all, you need to be honest to yourself and you need to have a clear idea about what you want to do. Secondly, you need to be committed to your work and the society.

Your Favourite Creation
Khelaghor

A Regret that You Have
I regret the way Dukhai turned out. I had a good budget, my cast and crew was perfect. But I should have focused more on the script. That could have been tighter and better.
 
If you could bring one change to the Bangladeshi Filmmaking Scene
I think we should introduce new technology and new ideas not only in the making of films but also in film exhibitions. Moreover, I believe that we should focus more on using digital technology and think about converting old cinema halls to multiplexes.
 
An Unfulfilled Dream
(As of Yet)
I think I yet have to make a movie the way I envisioned it. That would be an unfulfilled dream.

— Fayeka Zabeen Siddiqua