“This is my first award, and it still feels surreal."
Not a Fiction, an intense one-shot film from Bangladesh, has won the Best Super Short Film award at the Prague Film Festival 2025.
This marks a significant international achievement for the country’s independent film scene.
Directed by Shah Newaz Khan Cju, the film stood out among 3,266 submissions from 95 countries.
It has earned its place as the only entry from South Asia to make it into the official competition.
The festival is considered one of Eastern Europe’s top-tier events, particularly on FilmFreeway.
The awards were announced during a gala night in Prague, where Cju accepted the award.
The recognition also marked the film’s European premiere.
At its core, Not a Fiction is a fearless cinematic portrayal of the extrajudicial killings that have haunted Bangladesh over the last twenty years.
Despite being made on a shoestring budget of under 100 euros, the film has travelled far.
It has been screened at three Oscar-qualifying and two Canadian Screen Award-qualifying festivals before its Prague success.
In his acceptance speech, Shah Newaz Khan Cju reflected on the journey that led to this moment.
He said: “This is my first award, and it still feels surreal.
“To be able to bring pride to my country in Kafka’s city is something I’ll cherish forever.”
He also shared a conversation with one of the judges.
The judge revealed that a European film produced with nearly 50,000 euros was also in the running. However, it was Not a Fiction that won.
Cju added:
“They said it was the story and execution that mattered most.”
The film’s jury featured prominent international figures, including Icelandic filmmaker Guðrún Ragnarsdóttir Slaughter.
Slaughter’s short film earned a Special Mention at Cannes 2023.
The jury also included Polish director Elzbieta Benkowska, known for her Cannes-selected work Olena.
Cju has confirmed that Not a Fiction will be released online in May 2025.
This will allow a wider audience to engage with its haunting narrative and socially urgent message.
In a festival known for its discerning selections, Not a Fiction proved that a powerful idea can outshine big budgets – if it’s told with conviction.
For many in Bangladesh’s creative circles, this win is a validation of bold storytelling in an industry that often struggles with resources and visibility.
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