Colourkite
Logline:
In the shadows of poverty, a young boy dares to dream of school—where torn pages cannot silence hope, and even the smallest light can break through the darkest slums.
Synopsis
In the heart of a bustling slum, 8-year-old Surjo survives by scavenging through garbage to support himself and his struggling mother. But amidst the rubble and ruin, he clings to a fragile dream—going to school. One morning, with hope in his eyes, Surjo declares his wish to learn, to leave behind the world of scraps for a world of books. His mother, torn between love and despair, crushes his hopes, destroying the one book he cherished—believing dreams are a luxury they cannot afford.
Yet, Surjo’s spirit refuses to be broken. He continues to toil each day, but his dream never fades. Then, on an ordinary afternoon, something extraordinary happens—Surjo returns home, not with scraps, but with a spark in his eyes. Against all odds, his dream is about to take flight.
A poignant tale of resilience, sacrifice, and hope, "Surjo's Dream" reminds us that even in the darkest corners, a child's dream can light the way.
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Zayed SiddikiDirector
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Zayed SiddikiWriter
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Zayed SiddikiProducer
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Shelly Ahsan, Habib ArindaKey Cast
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Pantha RahmanDirector of Photography
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Reajul RajuEditor
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Rahat-KallolMusic
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Yeahnur Hossain, Rahat AhmedAssistant Directors
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Rasel PatuaryProduction Controller
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Nadia Zaman, AR Zaman ZihadExecutive Producers
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Project Type:Short, Student
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Runtime:14 minutes 10 seconds
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Completion Date:December 31, 2014
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Production Budget:600 USD
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Country of Origin:Bangladesh
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Country of Filming:Bangladesh
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Language:Bengali
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
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17th Seoul International Youth Film FestivalSeoul
Korea, Republic of
August 8, 2015
Asian Premiere
Official Selection -
2nd International Youth Film Festival of LangesundTelemark, Langesund
Norway
June 8, 2016
European premiere
Official Selection -
8th International Children's Film Festival BangladeshDhaka
Bangladesh
January 26, 2015
World premiere
Official nomination-Young Talent Award -
8th International Inter University Short Film FestivalDhaka
Bangladesh
April 23, 2016
Winner- Jury Honorable Mention -
1st Isnpire Kalam International Film FestivalJaipur
India
February 13, 2016
Official Selection -
FocAct International Short Film FestivalDhaka
Bangladesh
February 19, 2016
Winner - Second Best Film -
New Films New Filmmakers Film FestivalDhaka
Bangladesh
May 29, 2015
Official Selection -
Inter-University Short Film FestivalUnited International University, Dhaka
Bangladesh
June 25, 2016
Winner - Best Script -
Viddese Short competitionSingspore
Singapore
August 19, 2015
Official Selection -
AUW international Short Film FestivalChittagong, Asian University for Women
Bangladesh
November 17, 2017
Winner - Peoples Choice Award -
Bangladesh Children's Film FestivalDhaka, Bangladesh Shipakala Academy
Bangladesh
December 31, 2017
Official Selection -
CUETDS Short Film FestivalChittagong, CUET
Bangladesh
May 22, 2015
Official Selection -
1st Cinemascope National Film FestivalMIST, Dhaka
Bangladesh
February 4, 2018
Official Selection -
FocAct International Short Film FestivalDhaka
Bangladesh
January 17, 2016
Winner Best Actress -
FocAct International Short Film FestivalDhaka
Bangladesh
January 17, 2016
Winner - Best Director-Jury -
EduDoc 2018: Stories of Education- International Short-film CompetitionNew Delhi
India
December 14, 2018
Official Competition -
First-Time Filmmakers SessionsLondon
United Kingdom
December 12, 2018
UK Premiere
Official Selection -
Cinemaking International Film AwardsDhaka
Bangladesh
November 14, 2020
Winner - Honorable Mention
Zayed Siddiki is a young independent filmmaker, screenwriter and producer based in Dhaka. He has a post-graduate degree on TV, Film and Photography from University of Dhaka. Some of his films have been invited and screened in several international and national film festivals and got acclimation widely. His works reflects the neo-reality of contemporary Bangladeshi Society.
This film explores the harsh realities faced by children growing up in the slums of Dhaka, particularly their struggle for access to education. It reflects the broader challenges endured by the marginalized—where poverty, inequality, and systemic neglect shape every facet of life.
Through this story, I aim to shed light on the everyday struggles of the urban poor, especially women and children, who are often the most vulnerable to the consequences of socio-economic injustice. The atmosphere of the film is deeply rooted in authenticity; shot entirely within a Dhaka slum, it captures the raw, unfiltered essence of that world.
At its core, this is a film about resilience and the quiet courage of children who dare to dream beyond their circumstances. It is my hope that this portrayal sparks reflection, empathy, and much-needed conversation.