A Bangladeshi short film rooted in the ancient heritage of the subcontinent is making waves on the international stage. "Once Upon a Time in Wari Bateshwar", directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rajib Rafi, has been officially selected for the Panorama section of the Multi-Cultural Film Festival in Toronto, Canada.
The festival, running from August 24 to 29, celebrates diverse global voices in cinema, and Bangladesh’s cinematic representation comes in the form of this visually stunning archaeological narrative.
The film, which had its world premiere at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France, one of the most prestigious short film festivals globally, has since been showcased at the Senza Verona Film Festival in Italy, earning praise for its innovative storytelling and aesthetic depth.
"Once Upon a Time in Wari Bateshwar" draws inspiration from Wari-Bateshwar, one of the oldest known archaeological sites in Bangladesh, believed to date back to the Iron Age and linked to ancient trade networks and early urbanisation in the region. The film reimagines the spirit and legacy of this historic settlement through a poetic and contemporary cinematic lens.
In a bold technical achievement, the entire film was shot using drones, offering audiences a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of the landscape and architecture. Director Rajiv Rafi described the approach as “a cinematic journey through time and terrain,” promising an extraordinary visual experience that blends archaeology, myth, and modern filmmaking.
The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Imtiaz Niloy, Shailen Paul, Sabikunnahar Kankan, Shyamal Shishir, Totho Timatthew, and Dipankar Deep, whose performances bring emotional resonance to the evocative narrative.
Produced under the banner of Khana Talkies Production, the project is produced by Ashiq Mostafa and co-produced by Adnan Ahmed. Rajiv Rafi also penned the original story, co-writing the screenplay with Toto Timothy. The cinematography is handled by Mazharul Raju, with crisp editing by Kislu Golam Haider. The immersive soundscape was crafted by Shakir Ahmed Antu, while the original score comes from composer Raihan Rizwan.
With its fusion of heritage, technology, and artistry, "Once Upon a Time in Wari Bateshwar" not only highlights Bangladesh’s rich history but also showcases the growing sophistication of its independent film industry on the global stage.
As the lights shine in Toronto, all eyes are on this cinematic ode to an ancient civilization, proving that Bangladesh’s stories are ready for the world’s screens.