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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.

  • Zayed Siddiki
    Director
  • Zayed Siddiki
    Writer
  • Zayed Siddiki
    Producer
  • Shelly Ahsan, Habib Arinda
    Key Cast
  • Pantha Rahman
    Director of Photography
  • Reajul Raju
    Editor
  • Rahat-Kallol
    Music
  • Yeahnur Hossain, Rahat Ahmed
    Assistant Directors
  • Rasel Patuary
    Production Controller
  • Nadia Zaman, AR Zaman Zihad
    Executive Producers
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 10 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 31, 2014
  • Production Budget:
    600 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Bangladesh
  • Country of Filming:
    Bangladesh
  • Language:
    Bengali
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • 17th Seoul International Youth Film Festival
    Seoul
    Korea, Republic of
    August 8, 2015
    Asian Premiere
    Official Selection
  • 2nd International Youth Film Festival of Langesund
    Telemark, Langesund
    Norway
    June 8, 2016
    European premiere
    Official Selection
  • 8th International Children's Film Festival Bangladesh
    Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    January 26, 2015
    World premiere
    Official nomination-Young Talent Award
  • 8th International Inter University Short Film Festival
    Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    April 23, 2016
    Winner- Jury Honorable Mention
  • 1st Isnpire Kalam International Film Festival
    Jaipur
    India
    February 13, 2016
    Official Selection
  • FocAct International Short Film Festival
    Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    February 19, 2016
    Winner - Second Best Film
  • New Films New Filmmakers Film Festival
    Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    May 29, 2015
    Official Selection
  • Inter-University Short Film Festival
    United International University, Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    June 25, 2016
    Winner - Best Script
  • Viddese Short competition
    Singspore
    Singapore
    August 19, 2015
    Official Selection
  • AUW international Short Film Festival
    Chittagong, Asian University for Women
    Bangladesh
    November 17, 2017
    Winner - Peoples Choice Award
  • Bangladesh Children's Film Festival
    Dhaka, Bangladesh Shipakala Academy
    Bangladesh
    December 31, 2017
    Official Selection
  • CUETDS Short Film Festival
    Chittagong, CUET
    Bangladesh
    May 22, 2015
    Official Selection
  • 1st Cinemascope National Film Festival
    MIST, Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    February 4, 2018
    Official Selection
  • FocAct International Short Film Festival
    Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    January 17, 2016
    Winner Best Actress
  • FocAct International Short Film Festival
    Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    January 17, 2016
    Winner - Best Director-Jury
  • EduDoc 2018: Stories of Education- International Short-film Competition
    New Delhi
    India
    December 14, 2018
    Official Competition
  • First-Time Filmmakers Sessions
    London
    United Kingdom
    December 12, 2018
    UK Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Cinemaking International Film Awards
    Dhaka
    Bangladesh
    November 14, 2020
    Winner - Honorable Mention
Director Biography - Zayed Siddiki

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.

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Director Statement

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.