Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s ‘Roid’ has been selected as Bangladesh’s official entry for the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The decision was announced on Sunday, 27 September, at a press conference at Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka. The film was chosen from five submissions evaluated by a seven-member Oscar Bangladesh Committee.
The other films in contention were Redoan Rony’s ‘Domm’, Monirul Akash Haque’s ‘The University of Chankharpul’, Mohammad Touqir Islam’s ‘Delupi’ and Nurul Alam Atique’s ‘Manusher Bagan’.
‘Roid’ centres on the relationship between a sage and his mentally unstable wife. Sumon has described the story as a simple but profound portrayal of primal human love, explored through affection and silence.
Siddiq Ahmed, Mejbaur Rahman Sumon, Zahid Faruk and Shukorno Shahed Dhiman jointly wrote the screenplay. Mostafizur Noor Imran and Nazifa Tushi play the central characters.
Tushi said the film’s selection could create new opportunities for Bangladeshi cinema. The team behind ‘Roid’ also hopes its Oscar journey will introduce Bangladesh’s stories, culture and filmmaking approach to a wider international audience.
‘Roid’ will now enter the Academy’s International Feature Film selection process. The 99th Oscars will take place on 14 March 2027, while the nominations are scheduled to be announced on 21 January 2027.
