समाचार

Initially created in 2023, director Nuhash Humayun helmed a four-episode horror anthology titled Pett Kata Shaw for a Bangladeshi streaming service. Those four episodes were combined into one movie for an international release, and now the same has been done for Humayun’s follow-up, “Dui Shaw.” This sequel has a bigger budget, but along with its more impressive production value, it’s also a step up in terms of its storytelling. Humayun has also added a more political edge to his stories here, which take on the thorny subjects of South Asia’s well-documented divisions along class, religious, and gender lines that can be seen at its screening for the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival.

Dui Shaw is screening at Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival

In the first segment, “Prayer Time,” after robbing a temple, a group of shady college students, Jahangir (Abdullah Al Sentu), Kaysar (Rizvi Rizu Chowdhury), Raju (Allen Shubhro...

The 33rd Raindance Film Festival will open the crypt once more for its annual Horror Strand, running 19–22 June 2025 at London’s Vue Piccadilly. This year’s horror selection digs deeper into the subconscious and stretches the genre in unexpected directions, showcasing a fever dream of films that blend folklore, future-tech, eroticism and existential dread.

Curated to confront, disturb and confound, Raindance Horror 2025 launches with Deformelody: An American Nightmare, an off-kilter slasher satire shot entirely on a mobile phone over three years. From there, the madness expands: Dirty Boy, starring Graham McTavish, explores a cult member’s descent into paranoia and murder. Paul Raschid’s The Run invites the audience to choose the fate of a woman on a morning jog turned deadly, with horror legends Dario Argento and Franco Nero making appearances. Meanwhile, Zhaza, from Kazakhstan, delivers a feral, rage-fuelled take on familial betrayal and vigilante justice.

On Saturday, things turn folkloric and feral.

As a storyteller it is vital to not repeat. After his series “Pett Kata Shaw”, director Nuhash Humayun explained he wanted to explore new stories in his new project, again blending modern approaches with Indian folklore and myths. Considering his short feature “Moshari” was produced by director Jordan Peele and actor Riz Ahmed, it is perhaps only a matter of time before he will aim for international audiences. However, “Dui Shaw”, as his new series is named, delves even deeper into folklore while also looking at themes of Bangladeshi politics and society. As Iffla 2025 screens the first two episodes of the series, “Waqt” and “Bhaggo Bhalo”, this review may also be considered a first look.

In “Waqt” we meet four men, Raju (Allen Shubhro), Kaysar (Rizvi Rizu Chowdhury), Jahangir (Abdullah Al Sentu), Jashim (Rafayatullah Sohan) and Altaf (Refat Hasan Saikat). In order to make a bit of cash, they have...

The 2025 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) has announced its lineup for its 23rd edition, reinforcing its role as a leading platform for South Asian cinema in the U.S. For over two decades, Iffla has championed bold storytelling and emerging talent. This year’s festival underscores that commitment with two compelling feature directorial debuts – Varsha Bharath’s Bad Girl opening the festival and Lawrence Valin’s Little Jaffna closing it – bookending the event with bold new storytelling.

Due to its great success last year, Iffla is furthering its dedication to supporting filmmakers by expanding its Industry Day to a two-day forum offering South Asian film and TV creatives meaningful connections with industry leaders and the opportunity to win a $10,000 Pitch Competition Grant.

The festival runs May 6–10, 2025, at Landmark Theatres Sunset and the WGA Theater. Passes and tickets are available now at www.indianfilmfestival.org.

“Beyond individual highlights, this...