Suraiya Tasnin Sathi, an HSC examinee from Gaibandha, has achieved international recognition after winning the Best Award in the ‘Women and Work’ category at the 13th International ConnectHer Film Festival held in Austin, Texas on May 1 and 2.
The festival featured 184 films from 26 countries, where her documentary ‘Reshma: A Struggle for Identity’ stood out.
A student of the Humanities Department at Asaduzzaman Girls High School and College, Sathi made the documentary as her first film. She previously took part in a filmmaking workshop at Gaibandha Government College under mentor Novera Hasan Nikkan, gaining technical and creative training through the ConnectHer fellowship.
With her HSC examinations scheduled to begin on July 2, Sathi is currently focused on exam preparation and was attending coaching when asked about her achievement on May 4.
She said the documentary was developed after nearly a year of research, with support from Shuvo, Maruf and Mithura. The film focuses on Suraiya Farhana Reshma, originally from Sherpur in Bogra district, portraying her personal struggle for identity and her ongoing challenges with society.
In its five-minute runtime, the documentary presents an intimate narrative that reflects broader issues faced by women.
Sathi said she chose the subject as ConnectHer primarily works with women and children, allowing her to highlight a story centred on women’s lived experiences.
She credited her mentor Novera Hasan Nikkon for guiding her throughout the process, saying his support helped shape both her technical skills and storytelling approach. She also acknowledged strong support from her parents, particularly her mother.
The ConnectHer initiative, she noted, not only supports women-led projects but also provides an international platform for student filmmakers while encouraging young storytellers to engage with social change.
Sathi learned of her award on May 3. Reflecting on the moment, she said she was overwhelmed and never expected such recognition from her first film. She described the experience as validating a year of hard work and credited both her mentor and mother for the achievement.
The documentary’s cinematography was handled by Mithun Barman and Maruf Bhuiyan, while the production team included Abu Bakar Siddique, Apon, Arif, Sushmi Sarkar and Arghya Roy. Technical support was provided by Dhrupad Communication.
Alongside the recognition, Sathi received prize money of $2,500 dollars and a scholarship.
Sathi plans to use the funds to support future filmmaking work, saying she intends to invest in essential equipment and continue creating films.
