Bangladesh is set to make a strong impression at the Nepal International Film Festival this March, with one full-length feature and two short films invited to the prestigious event. The films include "Agantuk" (The Stranger) and the short films "The Taste of Honey" and "A Snail Without Shell". The festival will run from March 20 to March 24.

Directed by Biplob Sarkar, "Agantuk" received a government grant for its production during the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Sarkar began shooting soon after and premiered the film at the New Currents section of the Busan International Film Festival in 2023. It also had its Bangladesh premiere last Saturday in the Bangladesh Panorama section of the 23rd edition of the Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF).

The storyline of "Agantuk" revolves around a 10-year-old boy named Kajol. He lives with his mother and ailing grandmother, struggling to make ends meet. One day, his long-lost father, who had disappeared for years, returns as a stranger to the family. The film explores the tensions, dilemmas, and conflicts that emerge from his unexpected arrival.

On the other hand, "The Taste of Honey," directed by Mohammad Rakibul Hasan and Fabeha Monir, is a short film featured in the Nepal festival. It sheds light on the difficult lives of honey collectors (Moual in Bangla) from the Sundarbans and showcases their relentless struggle to harvest honey.

Additionally, "A Snail Without Shell" or "Bikinggri Etchaluk", a short film directed by Mohin Rakhain, focuses on the lives of the indigenous Garo community. Shot entirely in the Achik language, this 15-minute film features performances by members of the Garo people, adding authenticity to its narrative. The film was produced by Manoj Pramanik.

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