“Etoile de la SCAM” winning Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter and Poet, Bangladesh origin Amirul Arham is living in Paris from 1984.
His journey into the realm of film began with a cinema studies at the Dhaka Film Archive and Institute, followed by mentorship in film direction under the renowned ethnographic filmmaker Jean Rouch, a pioneer of Cinéma Vérité.
Arham’s body of work encompasses numerous documentaries, showcasing his talent and vision. One notable creation is “Antemanha,” produced with Night Lights Productions, which has been showcased in various national and international film festivals. “Social Business,” a co-production with Public Senate Television, earned recognition at the Cannes Cinema P+sitive section during the Cannes Festival in 2019. The film, addressing pertinent social issues, garnered attention at festivals worldwide and received screenings at prestigious venues such as Cinéma St André des Arts in Paris and La Ferme du Buisson.
Arham’s portfolio includes groundbreaking documentaries, such as “A Banker for the Poor,” which stands as the first feature documentary dedicated to Nobel Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus. A production with Canal+ European Television Network, the film has achieved widespread dissemination, reaching audiences globally. Its impact is underscored by its inclusion in the collection of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The Devil’s Water,” a compelling production with France 5 and France 3 Television has garnered acclaim at various festivals, including the prestigious Silverdocs Film Festival in Silver Spring, where it received recognition. Its significance is further underscored by its inclusion in the collection of the France National Library. Similarly, “The Lost Souls of Bangladesh,” broadcasted on France 2 and European TV networks, stands as a testament to Arham’s ability to shed light on profound social issues, earning recognition from the Rio International Film Festival of Biarritz, Ethnographic Film Festival of Musée de l’Homme, Paris and International Film Festival- Rio de Janeiro.
His commitment to exploring pressing global issues is evident in his ongoing projects, including the feature documentaries “What’s the Future for the Rohingyas”, “Shantiniketoner Ekal-Sekal and “A Poverty Museum” (animated documentary).
Additionally, his endeavors extend to feature fiction based on the true story “My Mother’s Secret,” is under preparation.
Amirul Arham has been nominated for various prestigious positions as a jury member in several film festivals. He nominated as the President of the Jury for the “MegaCities-ShortDocs Film Festival” in Paris and the “Chaudes-Aigues Film Festival” in Auvergne, France. He is also a member of the jury for Visual, BTS at INA, Bry sur Marne, France, and the International Film Festival of Africa and the Islands in the Ille de la Réunion.
Beyond the realm of cinema, Arham’s literary pursuits are equally noteworthy. His poetry collections, including “The Drenching in the Rain” and “The Shadow of the Sea in Your Eyes,” and recent “Listen to your mind” from Ankur Publications showcase his mastery of language and emotion. His efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding are evident in his bilingual poetry publication, bridging Bengali and French audiences. Moreover, his scholarly work on social linguistics, exemplified by “The Forgotten Mother Language”: Examples of Bengali Children, contributes to academic discourse on language and identity.
Through his multifaceted endeavors, Amirul Arham continues to enrich global cultural dialogue, leaving an indelible mark on both the realms of art and academia.
