Bangladeshi Short Film ‘Eliza’ Wins Best Director at Cincinnati Indian Film Festival
The New York-made Bangla short film Eliza has won the Best Director award at the Indian Film Festival of Cincinnati. The accolade went to Queens-based filmmaker of Bangladeshi origin, Rajeed Season. The award was officially presented to him on Sunday, December 7, at the Marimont Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The annual festival showcases films from the Indian subcontinent, both domestic and international, highlighting stories that resonate with the community. Sponsored by the Indian Consulate in New York, the four-day festival took place across three venues in Cincinnati.
Since its festival debut earlier this year, Eliza has received a total of nine international awards. Recently, the film won the Tasbir Emerald Award at a qualifying Oscar festival.
Set around a Bangladeshi immigrant family living in New York, Eliza explores the medallion crisis of yellow taxis, the realities of transgender life, and a positive outlook on life, while also delivering an important message on suicide prevention.
Director Rajeed Season said, “Many people make tragic decisions under stress and despair. Through this film, I wanted to speak against suicide because every life is priceless.”
Festival director Rati Apana commented, “This year we showcased several notable and award-winning films. The Cincinnati festival is extremely popular. The jury honored Rajeed with the Best Director award for his skillful direction and humanistic vision. The film is emotional and deeply connects with audiences.”
Ejaz Alam played the role of Haider, marking his first film appearance despite long experience in New York theater. He said, “As an immigrant, the story deeply resonated with me.”
Debjani Banerjee portrayed Eliza’s mother, Neelima. She said, “I joined the project because of Rajeed’s passion. As a Kolkata native, I have a strong connection to the Bangla language and storytelling. Eliza reaches the audience on an emotional level.”
Audience member Christine Brijers shared that the film moved her profoundly. Having lost her own daughter to suicide, she said the story mirrored her life and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak with director Rajeed Season.
