'Bangali Bilash' at Cannes

As in previous years, the business wing of the Cannes Film Festival, Marché du Film, is set to return with a variety of events. At the 78th edition of the festival, renowned Bangladeshi writer, film critic, and director Ebadur Rahman will present his film Bangali Bilash.

This prestigious and historic film festival will be held in Cannes, France, from May 13 to May 25.

In a press release, Ebadur Rahman shared that his film Bangali Bilash will be screened on May 18 at Marché du Film for agents and distributors.

Internationally titled Tractatus Bengalium, the film breaks away from conventional Bangladeshi cinema. With a runtime of 190 minutes and made in both Bengali and English, the film blends themes of sexuality, feminism, betrayal, and politics into a complex yet emotionally rich cinematic experience.

According to the director, the film uses a “film-within-a-film” structure, where two Muslim female characters—Mitra and Rushti—fight to reclaim control of their bodies and voices from a patriarchal filmmaker.

Bangali Bilash stars Indian actress Rii Sen, known for her role in the controversial Indian film *Gandu* by director Q. The cast also includes Farhana Hamid, Naima Tasnim, Shahabuddin Wadud, and Azad Abul Kalam, among others.

The cinematography is by Rawan Sayema and Mohammad Arifuzzaman, with editing by Oscar Loser from Berlin and Iqbal Kabir Jewel from Dhaka. The film’s sound design was done by Finnish sound artist Mika Ninnimäki.

Ebadur Rahman described Bangali Bilash as more than just a film—it is also a cultural and political statement.

He explained that the film reimagines issues around women, the body, and faith in a new light, consciously breaking away from the traditional framework of “typical Bengali cinema.”

According to Rahman, Bangali Bilash has already attracted the attention of international distributors and festival curators.