In 2022, ‘Adim’, directed by Juboraj Shamim, was screened in the main competition section of the 44th Moscow International Film Festival, where it won the NETPAC Jury Award. The film later travelled to several international festivals and received critical recognition.
However, the recently announced National Film Awards 2023 did not include Adim among the winners. The omission surprised many critics, as the film had been widely expected to receive awards in multiple categories.
Reacting to the outcome, Shamim told The TIMES of Bangladesh that he had no strong response. “Every film has its own time and space. As for the National Awards, the jury consisted of only a small number of people. Some may have liked the film, others may not have. The value of my work does not depend on the judgement of a few individuals, so there is nothing particular to respond to,” he said.
He added, “Even if none of my films are recognised anywhere in the world, or even if no one watches them, I will continue to make films. What matters to me is the artistic journey itself. I make films for myself.”
Adim was shot entirely in a slum in Tongi and centres on the everyday lives of its residents. The cast includes Badsha, Dulal, Sohagi and Sadek. Cinematography was handled by Amir Hamza, with sound and colour work by Sujon Mahmud.
The film was produced under Shamim’s own banner, ‘Rosayon, with co-producers Cinemaker and Lotus Film, and was funded through public contributions.
