Proshoon Rahmaan’s ‘Shekor’ to Premiere in Toronto

Proshoon Rahmaan’s newest feature, Shekor (The Roots), will make its world premiere on October 18, 2025, at the International Film Festival of South Asia in Toronto.

The ten-day festival, scheduled from October 9 to 19, 2025, is among the most important events dedicated to South Asian cinema internationally.

This year’s edition will not only highlight new films from across the region but also pay tribute to the legendary Guru Dutt on his centenary.

Rahmaan, already recognised for weaving stories of displacement and migration, has directed four earlier films, including Dhaka Dream and Priyo Satyajit.

His latest work, Shekor, builds on his long-standing interest in questions of belonging, identity, and the deep ties humans share with their homeland.

The filmmaker explained that the story reflects the universal longing for one’s birthplace, even when life carries people far away.

In his words, the film expresses how people often yearn for the earthy scent of the soil they once left behind.

It explores how memories of love, family, and homeland shape those who attempt to reconnect with roots across distance and time.

The narrative is based on a novel by expatriate writer Sanaual Mostafa, adapted for the screen by Rahmaan himself.

The cast includes FS Nayeem, Aisha Khan, Dilara Zaman, and Somu Chowdhury, who bring to life the intimate journey of reconnection.

Filming took place across varied Bangladeshi landscapes in Dhaka, Gazipur, Rajshahi, and Kushtia, grounding the story in authentic cultural backdrops.

Cinematography was led by Sahil Rony, while Tarek Bablu managed art direction, Mahfuzul Haque Ashiq handled editing, and Rokon Emon composed the score.

The director managed not only the screenplay but also the overall production through his banner, Imation Creator, ensuring a unified creative vision.

The premiere at Toronto will place the film in conversation with regional works by figures like Anup Singh, Tilottama Shome, and Roya Sadat.

Alongside screenings, IFFSA will also present forums and discussions, encouraging dialogue on contemporary South Asian narratives.

For Proshoon Rahmaan, the world premiere of his film is the culmination of a journey that began with production in May 2024.

Filming concluded in June 2025, setting the stage for the international debut before a discerning audience in Toronto.

While the film’s Canadian screening will mark its first public showing, Bangladeshi audiences are expected to see Shekor during Eid 2026.

With its layered themes of migration and identity, the film is already being hailed as a significant addition to South Asian cinema.