Golam Rabbani’s environmental short film ‘Shatar’ won awards in three categories at the One Minute Environmental Film Festival 2026, held on June 8 at the National Fine Arts Auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in Dhaka.
The one-minute film received the Best Student Film award, while Sanjid Mahmud was named Best Editor and Mizanur Rahman won Best Actor for his performance in the production.
Speaking after the ceremony, filmmaker Golam Rabbani said the recognition would encourage him in his future work.
“Awards certainly add joy to life. This achievement will inspire me to be even more careful and dedicated in my future projects. I had to go through the same level of preparation for a one-minute film as I would for a two-hour feature. Making a one-minute film is truly a remarkable challenge,” he said.
The film highlights, through symbolism, the issue of disappearing rivers in Bangladesh. According to the filmmaker, 158 rivers have dried up over the past 57 years due solely to human activity, while many others have vanished entirely.
Best Editor winner Sanjid Mahmud said the award reflected the success of the team’s storytelling efforts.
“I tried to weave different pieces of footage together to tell a story. This recognition from the judges reflects the success of that effort. I am grateful to the organisers and the entire ‘Shatar’ team,” he said.
The festival screened 17 selected one-minute films from across the country. Built around the theme “Positive Bangladesh, Nature and Environment”, the event showcased works focusing on environmental and social awareness. Among them, ‘Shatar’ drew particular attention from both audiences and judges.
Actor Mizanur Rahman, who won the Best Actor award for his role in the film, described the recognition as a significant achievement.
“To receive such recognition for a film of this scale is truly gratifying. Every member of the ‘Shatar’ team contributed to this achievement, and I am grateful to all of them,” he said.
The festival was chaired by Rezadullah Chowdhury and hosted by Sadia Rosni Suchana. Festival Director and Dhenki Production founder Md Nizam Uddin delivered the welcome address.
The discussion session that followed featured Daffodil International University teacher and trainer Amir Hamza, International Academy of Film and Media Green Film Ambassador Aktanin Khayer Tanin and competition jury member Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed, among others.
