Nov. 28, 2019|France, Bangladesh, Denmark, Portugal|95 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Bangla;Documentary;Drama;Reality;Thriller
Description: “Made in Bangladesh” is a 2019 Bangladeshi drama film directed by Rubaiyat Hossain. It premiered in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, and was also featured at the BFI London Film Festival, Locarno Film Festival, and other major festivals.
The story follows Shimu, a 23-year-old woman working in a clothing factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Struggling with harsh working conditions, Shimu decides to form a union with her colleagues. Despite facing threats from factory management and disapproval from her husband, Shimu remains determined to fight for workers’ rights. Together, the women must overcome challenges and find a way to stand up for their rights.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where Cameron Bailey, the artistic director of TIFF, praised the main character, calling her “the Norma Rae we need now.” Critics also lauded the film, with Dana Reinoos of Cinema Scope describing it as “a vision of feminist solidarity in the face of overwhelming opposition,” and Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter calling it “an earnest if sometimes schematic portrait of social rebellion,” adding that it “definitely deserves wider attention.”
The film has received several awards, including the Premio Interfedi Award at the Torino Film Festival, the Audience Award at the African Diaspora Film Festival, and the Norwegian Peace Film Award at the Tromsø International Film Festival.
Director Rubaiyat Hossain is a filmmaker, writer, and interdisciplinary researcher. She holds a B.A. in Women’s Studies from Smith College, USA, and an M.A. in South Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, USA. Her work focuses on Sufism, Bengali nationalism, the formation of Bengali modernity, and its connection to female sexuality. Hossain has also worked with prominent women’s rights organizations in Bangladesh and has been a part-time lecturer at BRAC University since 2006.
Cast director: Rubaiyat Hossain
Cast actor: Rikita Nandini Shimu, Novera Rahman, Parvin Paru, Mayabi Rahman, Shahana Goswami, Mostafa Monwar, Shatabdi Wadud, Momena Chowdhury, Mita Rahman, Joyraaj
Original name: মেড ইন বাংলাদেশ