Actress Priyam Archi is currently based in the UK, where she spoke about her recent work, future plans and experience of living abroad.
Priyam was among the top ten contestants in the 2010 Lux-Channel I Superstar. She went on to build a body of work across television and film, earning recognition for projects such as ‘Payer Tolay Mati Nai’, ‘Cafe Desire’ and ‘Boli’. From the outset of her career, she has prioritised the depth and meaning of her roles over the volume of work.
Her projects have often drawn on social realities, personal experiences and shifting contemporary contexts. Many of her works have been screened at festivals both in Bangladesh and internationally, receiving critical acclaim and awards.
Priyam said she is not currently focused on staying busy, but rather on remaining relevant. She views each project as part of a longer creative journey, taking time to fully connect with the character and narrative.
She also highlighted the challenges facing independent and alternative cinema in Bangladesh. While such films benefit from structured markets and platforms in many countries, she noted that the local ecosystem remains underdeveloped. She stressed the need for a dedicated platform where audiences can access and engage with this type of cinema, warning that a lack of support may discourage emerging filmmakers.
Among her recent works is ‘Deshlai’, directed by internationally acclaimed Indian filmmaker Q. The film premiered at the Tasvir Film Festival in Seattle last year and is expected to be released in Bangladesh through Chorki, with plans for distribution in Kolkata and the US.
Two of her films, ‘Nirban’ and ‘The Unexpected’, are currently part of the festival circuit in London. Nirban recently won the Jury Prize at the Moscow and Eurasia Film Festivals and was screened at the London Bengali Film Festival at Queen Mary University.
The Unexpected, produced in London, was previously shown at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival and is scheduled to be screened at the UK Asian Film Festival on May 3.
Priyam continues to explore new creative directions and is currently involved as both actor and producer in an experimental short film, which was shot in Dhaka last year and is now in post-production.
Reflecting on her time in the UK, she said the country’s rich artistic and cultural environment, along with its relatively inclusive opportunities, has been a strong source of inspiration for her creative practice.
