Bangla
Directed by
Phaim Bhuiyan
Phaim, a young Moslem of Bangladeshi origin born in Italy 22 years ago, lives with his family in Rome’s multiethnic Torpignattara neighbourhood, works as a museum steward, and plays in a band. At a concert, he meets Asia, his exact opposite: pure instinct, and no rules. The attraction between them is immediate, and Phaim will have to figure out how to reconcile his love for the young woman with the most inviolable of Islam’s rules: no sex before marriage.
- "Phaim Bhuiyan’s endearing romcom Bangla has already been likened to last year’s standout hit The Big Sick, and it’s easy to see why."
- "This first feature film by young Bangladeshi-Italian filmmaker Phaim Bhuiyan is timely and relevant and well deserving of its media attention."
- "For a debut film, Bhuiyan as a director is skilled at portraying a side of Rome far away from the tourist snaps. His cinematography is full of life and colour complemented by the music, both Italian and Bangladeshi, performed as part of the story."
- "Light on drama, big on laughs and with a twist intriguing enough to be worth the price of admission....with a multicultural twist that gives the audience something more to think about, Bangla is an exceptional directorial debut for Bhuiyan as he has created a film that is hard not to like."
Awards & Recognition
Winner
Best First Feature
Golden Globes, Italy
Best First Feature
Golden Globes, Italy
Winner
Best New Director
David di Donatello Awards
Best New Director
David di Donatello Awards
Nominated
Big Screen Award
Rotterdam Int'l. Film Festival
Big Screen Award
Rotterdam Int'l. Film Festival
Official Selection
Chicago Int'l. Film Festival
Chicago Int'l. Film Festival