Bangladeshi filmmaker Abu Shahed Emon makes Japanese debut with short film

Bangladeshi filmmaker Abu Shahed Emon is making waves in Japan’s cinematic landscape, directing the Japanese-language short film “Tenement of Secret Talk” and adding new acclaim to Bangladesh’s film industry on an international stage.

Emon made “Tenement of Secret Talk” as part of the renowned Kyoto Filmmakers Lab, held under the Kyoto HISTORICA International Film Festival. This programme, based in Japan, provides young filmmakers a rare chance to sharpen their craft through mentorship and collaborative projects, and has produced several significant works in recent years. Emon’s participation marks the first time a Bangladeshi director has joined the Lab’s elite Shochiku team, earning him and Bangladesh a significant international honor.

Shot at Kyoto’s historic Shochiku Studio, “Tenement of Secret Talk” was crafted in the traditional Japanese Jidaigeki style—a genre set in Japan’s feudal Edo period, rich with historical costumes, authentic props, and open studio sets. This film artfully weaves Emon’s vision with the classic elements of Japanese period dramas, spotlighting samurai, farmers, craftsmen, and merchants.

“Creating ‘Tenement of Secret Talk’ with an international crew at Shochiku Studio was an extraordinary experience,” Emon shared, adding, “I am grateful that the film is reaching Japanese audiences and for the support of the Kyoto Filmmakers Lab mentors.”

The film has been selected for several prominent Japanese film festivals, including the Hokkaido International Film Festival and Tachikawa Meigaza Street Film Festival in September, followed by the Japan Visual Grand Prix in Tokyo in October. The film will also appear at the upcoming Nasu Short Film Festival, held from November 9-17 in Nasu, organized by the Nasu Film Commission.

Emon’s career highlights include his debut feature film “Jalaler Golpo”, which has been showcased at numerous international film festivals and earned multiple awards. He also directed the web series “Mercules” and produced critically acclaimed projects such as “Sincerely Yours Dhaka”, “A House with No Names” (“Patalghar”), and “No Ground Beneath the Feet” (“Payer Toley Mati Nai”). Notably, “Jalaler Golpo” represented Bangladesh at the Oscars in 2016, followed by “Sincerely Yours Dhaka” in 2020, and “No Ground Beneath the Feet” in 2023.