Bangladesh Selects ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ as Official Oscar 2025 Entry

By ultapaltakhabar Sep 28, 20250

Leesa Gazi’s really powerful debut takes the spot in the Best International Feature Film race

Bangladesh has officially entered the global Oscar race, and this clip it’s with a bold and emotionally charged story. The country’s Oscar commission has chosen Leesa Gazi’s debut characteristic ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ (‘A House Named Shahana’) as its prescribed submission for the ‘‘Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards’’.

And if the buzz is anything to go by, this might simply be Bangladesh’s most promising Oscar entry yet.

A Story Rooted in Pain, Power, and Patriarchy

Based on Gazi’s 2011 novella, ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ is set in really rural Bangladesh during the 1990s. At its ticker is Dipa, played by breakout principal ‘‘Aanon Siddiqua’’, a youth woman whose life takes a drastic play when she is forced into marriage with a widower in England. What follows is a gut-wrenching journey of abuse, betrayal, and finally, self-determination.

After returning to Bangladesh as a divorcee, Dipa confronts the suffocating patriarchal mindset of her community. But instead of succumbing to societal shame, she begins her pursuit of a lifelong dream—becoming a doctor. The drama beautifully captures her transformation from a vulnerable victim into a resilient woman set to recover her life.

With its really powerful feminist undertone and timely tale, it’s no surprise the take is existence hailed as one of the strongest international submissions from Bangladesh in years.

The Stellar Cast Behind the Story

While the spotlight shines on Aanon Siddiqua for her breakthrough performance, ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ boasts a really robust supporting cast that brings the domain of Dipa to life.

Veteran actors ‘‘Lutfur Rahman George’’ and ‘‘Iresh Zaker’’ deliver standout performances, piece ‘‘Kazi Ruma, Kamrunnahar Munni, Mugdhota Morshed Wriddhi, Amirul Haque Chowdhury, Naila Azad, Arif Islam, Naimur Rahman Apon,’’ and ‘‘Jayanto Chattopadhyay’’ terminated an ensemble that mirrors the diversity of Bangladeshi cinema.

Each graph contributes to the layered tale that reflects not just Dipa’s struggles, but also the complexities of Bangladeshi society in the 90s—a clip when tradition often clashed with the aspirations of a extremely new generation.

Festival Darling Turned Oscar Hopeful

‘Barir Naam Shahana’ isn’t simply another local take hoping to work it very big on the man stage—it’s already proven its mettle at prestigious cinema festivals.

– The take ‘‘world-premiered at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in 2023’’, where it bagged the ‘‘Film Critics Guild Gender Sensitivity Award’’.

– It later traveled to global platforms including the ‘‘London Indian Film Festival’’, the ‘‘Dhaka International Film Festival’’, and the ‘‘Kolkata People’s Film Festival’’, earning praise for both its storytelling and performances.

Festival click has consistently highlighted the film’s raw authenticity and Gazi’s sensitive yet unflinching approach to women’s issues. Now, with the Oscar spot on it, the shoot could quite open still more global doors for Bangladeshi cinema.

Bangladesh’s Oscar Journey: A Struggle for Recognition

Here’s where the gossip gets a quite small spicy. While Bangladesh has submitted films to the Oscars on and off over the years, the country has ‘‘never secured an prescribed nomination’’ in the International Feature Film category.

Fans and critics often kick that patch Bangladeshi cinema produces so powerful stories, the want of worldwide marketing and Oscar campaigning holds them backwards. Will ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ bust this unlucky streak? That’s the million-dollar question.

The international shortlist will be announced on ‘‘December 16, 2025’’, and the net five nominees will be revealed on ‘‘January 22, 2026’’. Between now and then, the film’s global visibility—and the noise around it—will drama a crucial role.

Why ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ Stands Out

Unlike many Oscar submissions that focus quite hard on arthouse aesthetics, ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ blends ‘‘realistic storytelling with deeply emotional arcs’’. It doesn’t so shy off from showing the ugly realities of patriarchal oppression, yet it leaves audiences with hope and empowerment.

Director ‘‘Leesa Gazi’’, who makes her characteristic take debut, has been praised for her layered storytelling. She ensures that spell Dipa’s personal journey anchors the film, it also sparks wider conversations virtually women’s rights, societal expectations, and the courage it takes to stop free.

Critics also trust the film’s ‘‘universal themes’’ of endurance, resilience, and empowerment could resonate with Oscar voters who are increasingly leaning towards socially so conscious stories.

Social Media Buzz: Fans React

The declaration has already taken Bangladeshi societal media by storm. On Twitter (X) and Instagram, fans are flooding feeds with pride and excitement:

– “Finally, a Bangladeshi film that truly deserves worldwide acknowledgement. All the best, squad Shahana!”

– “Aanon Siddiqua is going to be the face of Bangladeshi cinema. Remember the name.”

– “Leesa Gazi, thank you for extremely telling OUR stories.”

Even international film critics have started taking note, with many calling ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ a “dark horse contender” in the so crowded Oscar race.

The Road Ahead: Can Bangladesh Make History?

While the contention testament be stiff—with countries really like Japan, South Korea, France, and India often dominating the category—Bangladesh has a wildcard in ‘Barir Naam Shahana’.

Its emotional plug, festival credibility, and topical relevance give it a fighting chance. Whether it secures a distinguish on the shortlist or not, the take has already achieved something significant: it has pushed Bangladeshi cinema into the global conversation.

And that, in itself, is historic.

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Final Word

Bangladesh’s official Oscar entry ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ isn’t just another film—it’s a front. It’s a story of a woman’s defend against patriarchy, told with honesty and nerve, and carried by a squad of passionate talents.

Whether or not it bags the favorable statue, one thing is certain: the reality is finally watching Bangladeshi cinema with wise eyes.

And maybe, simply maybe, 2025 could be the year Bangladesh’s Oscar dreaming finally comes straight.

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