Top 20 Bangladeshi Directors
A list of top directors with great achievement and contribution for Bangladeshi movies.
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Zahir Raihan was born on 19 August 1935, as Mohammad Zahirullah, in the village Majupur, now in Feni District, Bangladesh. After the Partition of Bengal in 1947, he, along with his parents, returned to his village from Calcutta. He obtained Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Bengali from Dhaka University. He had been married twice, to Sumita Devi in 1961 and Shuchonda in 1968, both of whom were film actresses.
Zahir Raihan received his post graduate degree in Bengali Literature. Along with literature works Raihan started working as a journalist when he joined Juger Alo in 1950..Later he also worked in newspapers, namely Khapchhara, Jantrik, and Cinema. He also worked as the editor of Probaho in 1956. His first collection of short stories, titled Suryagrahan, was published in 1955. He worked as an assistant in the film Jago Huya Sabera in 1957. This was his first foot print in film. He also assisted Salahuddin in the film Je Nodi Morupothay. The filmmaker Ehtesham also took him for his movie A Desh Tomar Amar, for which he wrote the title song. In 1960 he arrived as a director with his film Kokhono Asheni. In 1964, he made Pakistan's first colour movie, Sangam, and completed his first CinemaScope movie, Bahana, the following year. He was an active worker of the Language Movement of 1952 and was present at the historical meeting of Amtala on 21 February 1952. The effect of language movement was so high on him that he made his legendary film "Jibon Theke Neya" based on it. He also took part in the "Gano Obhyuthyan" in 1969. In 1971 he joined in the Liberation War of Bangladesh and created documentary films on this great event.During the war of liberation Raihan went to Kolkata where his film "Jibon Theke Neya" were shown. His film was highly acclaimed by Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Tapan Sinha and Ritwik Ghatak. Though he had his financial problem going on that time, he gave all his money to the Freedom Fighters trust that he got from the show.
Raihan disappeared on 30 January 1972 trying to locate his brother, the famous writer Shahidullah Kaiser, who was captured and killed by the Pakistan army and/or local collaborators during the final days of the liberation war.It is believed that he was killed with many others when armed Bihari collaborators and soldiers of Pakistan Army in hiding fired on them when they went to Mirpur, a suburb of the capital city of Dhaka that was one of few strongholds for Pakistani/Bihari collaborators at that time.Creator of 'Jibon Thekey Neya (1970)' (qv), till now the best Bangladeshi movie.- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Alamgir Kabir was born on 26 December, 1938 at Rangamati, East Bengal, British India (now Bangladesh). Kabir admitted to Hughli Collegiate School first and then in 1948 was admitted to Dhaka Collegiate School. In 1952, he passed matriculation examinations with distinction in Mathematics. After passing the ISc examination in 1954 from Dhaka College, he took admission in the Department of Physics of the University of Dhaka. In 1958, he went to England to study Electrical Engineering at Oxford University. During his University days, he was attracted to the films and inspired by Ingmar Bergman's movie the Seventh Seal. Returning home in 1966, he joined leftist movement against Ayub government and after Liberation War in 1971, he started his career in making films. His notable films are Dhire Bahe Meghna (1973), Suryakanya (1976), Simana Periey (1977), Rupali Saikate (1979), Mohana (1982), Mahanayak (1985), and Parinita (1984). The short films were the Liberation Fighter, Program in Bangladesh, Culture in Bangladesh, Sufia, Amulya Dhan, Bhor Halo Dor Kholo, Amra Dujan, Ek Sagar Rakter Binimoye, Manikancha and Chorasrot. Alamgir Kabir is the author of a number of books including Film in East Pakistan, Film in Bangladesh, Suryakanya, Simana Periey and Mohana. He received Bangladesh National Film Award, Bangladesh Film Journalists Association Award, Zahir Raihan Film Award of Uttaran, and Syed Mohammad Parvez Award. He was given the title as Cholochitracharya. This prominent film maker died on 20 January, 1989.A director with counter image whose life itself was film and who is considered as the professor of Bangladeshi film direction.- Writer
- Director
- Actor
Amjad Hossain was born on 14 August, 1942 in Jamalpur, East Bengal, British India (now Bangladesh) in a Muslim family. He started writing rhymes and poems at his early age. He also wrote short stories, juvenile stories and novels. Hossain was directed connected with Mass uprising in 1969 against Ayub Khan and Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. Though he started his film career as actor in Dharapat film in 1963, he established himself as a director and writer afterwards. Notable films directed by Amjad Hossain are Golapi Ekhon Traine (1978), Sundori (1979), Koshai (1980), Jonmo Theke Jolchi (1982), Dui Poysar Alta (1982), Bhat Dey (1984), Golapi Ekhon Dhakay (2006), Golapi Ekhon Bilatey (2010). Amjad Hossain received National Film Award, Bangladesh in Best Director, Best Producer, Best Story, Best Dialogue, Best Screenplay, Best Lyricist categories for 11 times for his contribution in these areas. Additionally, he received Ekushey Padak in 1993, Agrani Bank Juvenile Literature Award in 1993 and 1994, and Bangla Academy Award in 2004 for his contribution in Bengali literature.First Bangladeshi director whose movie was shown in Cannes Film Festival.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Subhash Dutta was born on 9 February 1930 in Dinajpur, Bengal Presidency, British India [now in Dinajpur, Bangladesh]. He was an actor and director, known for Bosundhara (1977), Dumurer Phul (1978) and Ayna O Oboshishto (1967). He died on 16 November 2012 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.First Bangladeshi director whose movie was shown in an international film festival.- Writer
- Director
- Producer
Sheikh Niamat Ali was born on 30 April 1940 in 24 Parganas, West Bengal, British India. He was a writer and director, known for Onno Jibon (1995), Surja Dighal Bari (1979) and Dahan (1985). He died on 24 November 2003 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.First Bangladeshi director to receive an award in Mannheim-Heidelberg International Filmfestival who portrays woeful tale of human life in his movies.- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Abdullah Al Mamun was born on 13 July 1942 in Jamalpur, Bengal Presidency, British India [now in Jamalpur, Bangladesh]. He was an actor and writer, known for Dui Jibon (1987), Ekhoni Somoy (1980) and Jibon O Obhinoy (1997). He died on 21 August 2008 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.An excellent film director with a great way of storytelling and portrayal of the characters in a different manner.- Writer
- Director
- Music Department
Tareque Masud was born in Nurpur Village of Faridpur District in Bangladesh. At an early age he was sent off to madrassa (Islamic school) by his deeply religious father. He studied in the madrassa system until 1971, when the upheaval brought about by the 9-month Liberation War interrupted his education. After Bangladesh won independence from Pakistan, he entered general education, completing his HSC from Adamjee Cantonment College and eventually graduating from Dhaka University with a degree in History.
Tareque was involved in the film society movement from his university days and started his first film Adam Surat (1991) (The Inner Strength), a documentary on the legendary Bangladeshi painter S.M. Sultan, in 1982. His 1995 feature length documentary on the '71 Liberation War, Muktir Gaan (1995) (Song of Freedom) brought record audiences and became a cult classic. He also made many other films on the war, including Muktir Kotha (1999) (Words of Freedom), Narir Kotha (Women and War) (2000) and Naroshundor (The Barbershop)(2009) . In 2002, he completed his feature film The Clay Bird (2002) (The Clay Bird), which was based on his childhood experience in the Madrassa. The film won the Critics' Prize (FIPRESCI Prize) at the Cannes Film Festival (2002), was the first Bangladeshi film to compete in the Oscars, and was released in many countries around the world.
In addition to his film making work, he was also a pioneer of the independent film movement in Bangladesh. Tareque was a founding member of the Short Film Forum, the leading platform for independent filmmakers. In 1988, he organized the country's first International Short and Documentary Film Festival, which is held on a biannual basis to this day. He was also known as the 'Cinema Feriwalla' (Vendor of Movies) for the way in which he showed his films, touring remote towns and villages throughout the country with his mobile projection unit. His wife, American-born Catherine Masud, was his creative and life partner. They met at the time he was completing work on Adam Surat (1991)and spent the next two decades making films together through their production house 'Audiovision [bd]'. Together they wrote scripts, often co-directed, and toured the country and the world with their films. Catherine also edited all of their work. Masud died on August 13, 2011 in a tragic road accident while returning from work on location for his upcoming feature film Kagojer Phul (The Paper Flower), on the 1947 partition of Bengal. Also killed in the accident was his longtime cinematographer and friend Mishuk Muneer, along with three other colleagues. Catherine Masud and four others survived the accident. Since his death, Catherine has established the 'Tareque Masud Memorial Trust', which is dedicated to the task of archiving and memorializing Masud's work through publications, educational projects, screening programs, and the completion of their unfinished oeuvre.First Bangladeshi director to win an award in Cannes Film Festival for film direction and who portrays the religious extremism with his creative direction.- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Azizur Rahman was born on 10 October 1939 in Bogra, Bengal Presidency, British India [now in Bogura, Bangladesh]. He was a director and writer, known for Atithi (1973), Bondhu Jokhon Shotru (2001) and Chhutir Ghonta (1980). He died on 14 March 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.One of the finest and perfect one whose works focus on social issues and provide audience great messages.- Director
- Writer
- Producer
One of the best Bangladeshi film director with highest National accolades, called as master maker.- Actor
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- Director
A Bold storyteller of negatives aspects of society and politics with excellent direction.- Director
- Actor
- Writer
Chashi Nazrul Islam was born on 23 October 1941 in Dacca, Bengal Presidency, British India [now in Dhaka, Bangladesh]. He was a director and actor, known for Hangor Nodi Grenade (1997), Shuvoda (1986) and Devdas (1982). He was married to Jotsna Kazi. He died on 11 January 2015 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.First Bangladeshi director to direct film based on Liberation War of Bangladesh and finest director who portrayed the writings of several writers with elegance.- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Narayan Ghosh Mita was born on 24 January 1932 in Dacca, Bengal Presidency, British India [now in Dhaka, Bangladesh]. He was a director and writer, known for Lathial (1975), Alor Michil (1974) and Harano Sur (1987). He died on 3 March 2002 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.First director to receive National Film Award for film direction and did excellent direction in 'Alor Michil (1974)' (qv)- Writer
- Director
- Music Department
With the publishing of his first book, "Nondito Noroke" in 1972, Humayun Ahmed came into the limelight as a promising young writer. He proved later on that he was not there to be lost among others. His next book, "Shonkhonil Karagar", was another huge success with the readers. Most of his earlier books were family/social drama. But he proved his talent later on by writing more than a handful of science fictions and horrors/super natural books as well. He even created a few characters that are known to almost everybody, such as "Himu" (who always wears a yellow punjabi and no sandals) and Misir Ali (the extremely logical person, there's nothing in his world that cannot be explained scientifically).
Humayun Ahmed had his directorial debut on TV with the series Eishob Dinratri (1985). A very touchy and complicated family drama. That was just the beginning, he went on to make a whole bunch of TV series, some of which are still popular with people.
His movies are one of the very few that takes middle class people to the theaters now a days. Among the obscene and violent movies that are mostly catered towards the lower working class, movies like Aguner Poroshmoni (1994) and Dui Duari (2000) were like a touch of fresh air.Popular writer and film director with a great sense of humour and creative film direction.- Director
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Morshedul Islam was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh on December 1, 1958. He made his film making debut in 1984 with the short film "Agami" while he was a student. He completed his Bachelor and Master degree in Pharmacy from the University of Dhaka. After participating in a film appreciation course organized by Bangladesh Film Institute & Archive, started making his first film "Agami" (Time Ahead), a short fiction, in 1982 about the Great War of Liberation of Bangladesh, when he was a student of the University of Dhaka. 'Agami' won the 'Silver Peacock' award for best direction in 10th International Film Festival of India, New Delhi in 1985. It also won the National Award for best short film and was shown in many international film festivals. The success of 'Agami', the first independent short film of the country, performed a leading role to establish an alternative film movement in Bangladesh. He made his first children's film 'Dipu Number Two' in 1996. The film was acclaimed by the audience, particularly by the young people. Made four films for children so far. Besides film making, is actively involved with the film society movement of the country. Served as the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies from 1988-1994, Asian Regional Secretary of the International Federation of Film Societies from 1991-1995 and President of the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies from July 2006 to June 2009. Founded Children's Film Society Bangladesh in 2006 and serving as the Honorary Festival Director of International Children's Film Festival Bangladesh. His wife Munira Morshed Munni, a photographer, is also known as a film activist and is the general secretary of the Children's Film society Bangladesh.One of the finest director to portrays writings of several writers in creative and excellent ways.- Writer
- Director
- Producer
Tanvir Mokammel is a film-maker and an author of books from Bangladesh. He was born in March 8, 1955 in Khulna, Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). He has made seven full-length feature films and fourteen documentaries till date (2018).
His films, some of which have received national and international awards are - Nodir Naam Modhumoti (1996) (The River Named Modhumoti), a deconstruction of the William Shakespeare's Hamlet-story on the backdrop of Bangladesh's liberation war against Pakistan in 1971; Chitra Nodir Pare (1999) (Quiet Flows the River Chitra), plight of a Hindu family who after the partition of India in 1947 refused to migrate to India from the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh); Lalsalu (2001) (A Tree Without Roots), based on a novel by Syed Waliullah about a Mullah who established a false shrine; Lalon (2004), a bio-pic of Fakir Lalon Shah, the famous baul song-composer of the 19th century rural Bengal; Rabeya (2008) (The Sister), a filmed deconstruction of the Greek play "Antigone" by Sophocles; Jibondhuli (2014) (The Drummer), a story of the destiny of a poor low-caste Hindu drummer during the liberation war of Bangladesh against Pakistan; Rupsha Nodir Banke (2020), a chronicle of the life of a leftist politician who was killed by Razakars during the 1971 Liberation War.
Tanvir Mokammel's prominent documentaries are - Achin Pakhi (1996) (The Unknown Bard), a bio-pic of Fakir Lalon Shah and his baul ideas; Teardrops of Karnaphuli (2005) (Karnaphulir Kanna), about the political conflict between the Chakma and other ethnic peoples of the Chittagong hill tracts against the Bengalees; Bonojatri (2005) (Riders to the Sundarbans), a documentary about the journey of the poor fishermen's wives through the mangrove forest of the Sunderbans to reach the sea; Oie Jamuna (2002) (A Tale of the Jamuna River), a journey-film about the Jamuna river depicting the condition of the river and the relationship of the river with the people living beside it; Bostrobalikara: Garment Girls of Bangladesh (2007), a documentary which follows three garment girls who came to work from village to the big city Dhaka and through them depict the condition of this billion dollar export-oriented industry in Bangladesh, the price war and the wage factor of the workers; Tajuddin Ahmad: An Unsung Hero (2007) (Nissongo Sarathi), a bio-pic of Tajuddin Ahmad, the first prime minister of Bangladesh who, in absence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, led the Bangladesh liberation war and was later killed inside Dhaka central jail; Swapnabhumi (2007) (The Promised Land), depicts the plight of the Urdu-speaking Muslims from Bihar, popularly Known as the "Biharis" who had migrated from India in 1947 to live in the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh); Images and Impressions (1999), a documentary about the International People's College (IPC) in Helsingør, Denmark where the film-maker taught for a few months; 1971 (2011), a mega-documentary on the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971; The Japanese Wife (2012) (Japani Bodhu), a documentary on Hariprobha Takeda, the first Bengalee woman who wrote a travelogue on Japan and used to read Bengali news from the Tokyo Radio for Subhas Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Fouz.
Tanvir Mokammel's important books are "A Brief History of World Cinema", "The Art of Cinema", "Charlie Chaplin: Conquests of the Vagabond" (a book on the life and art of Charles Chaplin), "Syed Waliullah, Sisyphus and Quest of Tradition in Novel" (a literary criticism on the work of novelist Syed Waliullah), translation of Maxim Gorky's play "The Lower Depth", "Grundtvig and Folk Education", a book on the alternative educational ideas and Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig's educational concepts.
During his youth, Tanvir Mokammel worked as a progressive journalist and spent few years as a left-wing activist helping landless peasants in their struggles. Mr. Tanvir Mokammel is now the director of "Bangladesh Film Institute" (BFI) and "Bangladesh Film Centre" (BFC).A director with excellence in storytelling and his own creative way of film direction along with his crew.- Actor
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- Director
Tauquir Ahmed was born on 5 March 1966 in Dacca, East Pakistan [now in Dhaka, Bangladesh]. He is an actor and writer, known for Joyjatra (2004), The Unnamed (2016) and Haldaa (2017). He has been married to Bipasha Hayat since 23 July 1999.One of the best Twentieth Century Bangladeshi director with good knowledge of film direction.- Writer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Director
Promient filmmaker Kazi Morshed was born on 24 April, 1950 in Hinguli, Mirsarai, Chittagong, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Kazi Morshed began his career in the film industry as an assistant director of S.M. Shafi. He also worked as an assistant director of Amjad Hossain. He debuted as a director in 1991 with 'Santona (1991)', through which he received Bangladesh National Film Award in Best Screenplay category. Though he eventually made five other commercial films, his fame soared high with Ghani, which was released in 2006. The film won national film awards in twelve categories. His final work was 'Ekoi Britte (2013)'. He died on 3 October, 2014 in National Cardiovascular Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.One of the most excellent director with great sense of screenplay and storytelling.- Director
- Actor
- Production Manager
A director who enchants the audience with a nice way of storytelling and direction.- Writer
- Director
- Additional Crew
Nasiruddin Yousuff was born on 15 April 1950 in Dacca, East Pakistan [now in Dhaka, Bangladesh]. He is a writer and director, known for Guerrilla (2011), Ekattorer Jishu (1993) and Alpha (2019). He is married to Shimul Yousuf. They have one child.A freedom fighter and helmsman of Bangladeshi theatre happens to be a great director who portrayed the Liberation War through silver screen.- Director
- Writer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Shahidul Islam Khokon was a director and writer, known for Vondo (1998), Madam Fuli (1999) and Lal Sobuj (2005). He died on 4 April 2016 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.Director who knew how to attract audience with bold story and masala action.