Bangladeshi short film "A Thing About Kashem" bags two awards in Los Angeles

"A Thing About Kashem", a Bangladeshi short film, has won international acclaim after picking up two awards at a festival in Los Angeles.

The 17-minute film exploring hidden aspects of the human self, won Best Director and Best Actor at the LA Diversity Film Festival, according to producer Arifur Rahman.

Arifur said actor Intekhab Dinar received the Best Actor award for his lead role as Kashem, while Bijon Imtiaz was named Best Director.

The film’s screenplay was written by Nuhash Humayun, the son of legendary writer Humayun Ahmed, who also co-developed the story with Bijon. It was jointly produced by Arifur and Nuhash under the banners of Gupi Bagha, Long Story and Screenscope Productions.

Responding to the news, director Bijon described the recognition as “a great joy” for any filmmaker.

“Some actors are method actors, immersing themselves deeply into a role, while others can step into character instantly, almost like flicking a switch. Dinar Bhai is one such actor,” Bizon said in a statement.

“I consider myself very fortunate to have had the chance to work with him. For his performance in this film, both praise and the award are truly deserved.”

The film stars Intekhab in the title role, alongside Moutushi Biswas, Hashnat Ripon, Kamruzzaman Tapu and Tonushree Karkun.

It has also achieved success beyond Los Angeles. Earlier this year, "A Thing About Kashem" won the Grand Prize in the “Alternative Spirit” category at the Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival in the United States.

The short has been screened at the Caostica Festival in Spain and the 48th Asian American International Film Festival in New York.