Bangladesh has officially selected ‘A House Named Shahana’ as its submission for the 2025 Academy Awards in the International Feature Film category. Directed by UK-based Bangladeshi filmmaker Leesa Gazi, the film marks her debut in feature filmmaking. Set in rural Bangladesh during the 1990s, the narrative follows Dipa, a young woman who defies societal norms by divorcing her husband and striving to live independently in a patriarchal society.
The film has garnered critical acclaim, winning awards at prestigious festivals such as the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and the BFI London Independent Film Festival. Aanon Siddiqua’s portrayal of Dipa has been particularly praised for its depth and authenticity.
‘A House Named Shahana’ is produced by the Komola Collective and is presented in Bengali with English subtitles. The film’s selection underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to showcasing diverse and compelling narratives on the global stage.
