Humaira Bilkis
Humaira Bilkis | |
|---|---|
হুমায়রা বিলকিস | |
| Born | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Alma mater | Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication, University of Dhaka |
| Occupation(s) | Filmmaker, documentarian |
| Years active | 2015 - present |
| Notable work |
|
Humaira Bilkis (Bengali: হুমায়রা বিলকিস) is a Bangladeshi filmmaker, documentarian. Known for her observational approach, Bilkis often explores personal and social themes, with a focus on memory, cultural identity, and intergenerational relationships. Her works have been featured in prestigious film festivals worldwide, including the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), Berlinale Talents, Giffoni Film Festival, London Indian Film Festival and Visions du Réel.[1][2] She also a faculty of Bangladesh Cinema and Television Institute.[3]
Early life and education
[edit]Humaira Bilkis was born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. After getting master's degree in mass communication and journalism at University of Dhaka, she pursued her passion for filmmaking at several institutions, including Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication and the Berlinale Talents program.[4] She has also been involved in initiatives such as the Bengal Cinema Development Forum, which supports independent Bangladeshi cinema, and the Dhaka DocLab, a platform fostering documentary film production in South Asia.[5][6][7]
Career
[edit]Humaira Bilkis's career centers on deeply personal narratives that intersect with broader societal issues. Her observational documentary style allows her subjects to guide the storytelling process organically.[8][9]
Major works
[edit]One of her most acclaimed projects, Things I Could Never Tell My Mother (2022), explores the complex dynamics between Bilkis and her mother.[10] The documentary delves into the challenges of communication and generational expectations, resonating with audiences for its universality and emotional depth. The film premiered at IDFA, was screened at Visions du Réel, and received accolades at the Giffoni Film Festival.[1][11][12]
Another notable work, Baganiya (Garden of Memories), explores the intertwined histories of a rural Bangladeshi community through personal recollections and environmental changes.[13] The film was showcased at the London Indian Film Festival, where it was praised for its poetic narrative and visual aesthetics.[14] Bilkis has also been involved in collaborative projects, such as Spiral of Silence, co-directed with Shabnam Azim,[15] and Fair Home Fairy Tales under Film Independent's sponsored projects.[16]
Style and themes
[edit]Bilkis's films are rooted in her Bangladeshi heritage while resonating with universal themes such as family, memory, feminism and social transformation.[17][18] Her use of long takes, natural lighting, and minimal interference underscores her commitment to authenticity. Critics have praised her ability to bridge the gap between local narratives and global audiences.[6]
Beyond filmmaking, Bilkis advocates for independent cinema in Bangladesh. She has spoken extensively about the need to build infrastructure supporting creative storytelling beyond commercial constraints.[19] Through platforms like the Bengal Cinema Development Forum and Dhaka DocLab, she has mentored emerging filmmakers of documentary filmmaking in South Asia.[20]
Filmography
[edit]- Things I Could Never Tell My Mother (2022)[1]
- Baganiya (Garden of Memories) (2019)[21]
- I Am Yet to See Delhi (2015)[22]
- Spiral of Silence (co-directed)[15]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Humaira Bilkis Profile". IDFA. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Bangladeshi Film Makers at Berlinale Talents". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Berlinale Talents: Things I Could Never Tell My Mother". Berlinale Talents. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Humaira Bilkis Profile". Berlinale Talents. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Bengal Cinema Development Forum". Bengal Foundation. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ a b "Dhaka DocLab 2017". Dhaka DocLab. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Humaira Bilkis Profile". Khoj Studios. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Humaira Bilkis". Khoj Studios. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ Chowdhury, Priyanka (2022-02-17). "Filmmaking for a global audience". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
- ^ "Things I Could Never Tell My Mother". Unifrance. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Things I Could Never Tell My Mother – Visions du Réel". Visions du Réel. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Things I Could Never Tell My Mother – Giffoni Film Festival". Giffoni Film Festival. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Baganiya: The struggle of Bangladesh's forgotten tea workers – A film review - Untold". untoldmag.org. 2024-11-18. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
- ^ "Baganiya (Garden of Memories)". London Indian Film Festival. 9 May 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ a b Shabnam Azim; Humaira Bilkis (2023). "Chapter 18". Spiral of Silence. Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003395805-18.
- ^ "Fair Home Fairy Tales". Film Independent. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "I Am Yet to See Delhi". DIFF. 15 October 2015. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Interview with Humaira Bilkis". YIDFF. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Filmmakers Demand Environment for Independent Films". New Age. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Humaira Bilkis in Dhaka Tribune". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Baganiya". The Seventh Art. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "MUBI Recommends Humayra Bilkis' I Am Yet to See". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 24 November 2024.