Private Project

Rupali Aansh

"Rupali Aansh" tells a unique story set during Bangladesh's Liberation War from a fish's perspective.
While searching for a suitable place to lay her eggs, a fish full of eggs gets caught in a net and is denied the opportunity to fulfill her life’s goal; It ends up being kept alive in a small bowl of water, lamenting her unrealized purpose as she arrives at a specific household.

The time is 1971, amidst the backdrop of the war. The fish ends up in the house of a Razakar (Pakistani army's Bangladeshi collaborator) named Kader, who holds significant influence in the village. Kader brought the fish to serve a high-ranking Pakistani officer residing at his home. Kader’s 7-year-old son, "Badsha" helps his mother, Rabeya, with household chores, forming a bond with the fish that becomes almost like a friendship.

Rabeya, however, is against her husband’s support for the Pakistanis. This opposition is deeply personal as her father was killed by the Pakistani army, and her brother Anwar has joined the Liberation War. Rabeya, while cooking for the Pakistani officers, enlists Badsha’s help to also secretly feed a captive freedom fighter. Despite her struggles, Rabeya always finds the energy to answer her son’s numerous questions. Badsha, in turn, spends wonderful moments playing with the fish, who also grows fond of him. Yet, Rabeya has another plan involving the fish. She covertly contacts her brother Anwar. With the help of Badsha and Anwar, Rabeya devises a way to use the fish to help advance the cause of freedom. Alongside her son, she moves forward on the path to liberation.

  • Shopno Samudra
    Director
  • Shopno Samudra
    Writer
  • Neil Samudra
    Producer
  • Anaet Haider Shawon
    Producer
  • Manyota Das
    Key Cast
    "Badsha"
  • Suprobha Sheboti
    Key Cast
    "Rabeya"
  • Mahfuz Masum
    Key Cast
    "Kader"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    রূপালী আঁশ
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 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
Director Biography - Shopno Samudra


Born on December 5, 1986, Shopno Samudra is an emerging force in the world of filmmaking, known for blending art with impactful storytelling. With roots grounded in Dhaka, where he grew up under the guidance of his parents, Samudra Gupta and Sohana Happy, Shopno’s journey reflects a harmonious fusion of passion and skill.

Educational Background:
Shopno’s academic path highlights his dedication to the arts. He began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from the University of Dhaka (2005–2009), fostering an artistic eye that would later shape his cinematic vision. She’s furthering his expertise with a Master’s in Television, Film, and Photography at the same institution, underscoring his commitment to mastering his craft.

Creative Achievements:
Shopno’s filmography reveals a penchant for storytelling that resonates on multiple levels. His early work, Kshoy (2009), laid the foundation for his pursuit of meaningful narratives. The Ghost Love (2012) followed, showing his versatility and thematic range. A significant milestone was Two Daughters and Their Memory of Father (2019). This poignant documentary earned special recognition at Dhaka DocLab, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker who can touch hearts and provoke thought.

Venturing into animation, Shopno directed Ghuddi and Falgun in 2020, showcasing his innovative approach to visual storytelling. His ability to intertwine traditional storytelling with modern techniques is a testament to his unique voice in the industry.

Beyond the Camera:
Shopno’s contributions extend to theater, where he played a key role in writing and collaborating on stage plays like Ghore-Baire and Dibanishi. His leadership was further demonstrated during his tenure as General Secretary of the Dhaka University Film Society in 2009, a role that amplified his influence within the student film community.

Philosophy and Vision:
For Shopno, filmmaking is more than just visual art—it’s a narrative bridge that connects emotions, history, and innovation. His works often weave elements of personal and collective memories, echoing themes of resilience and identity, particularly with stories rooted in the rich history of Bangladesh.
Shopno Samudra continues to push the boundaries of Bangladeshi cinema, melding artistry and storytelling with a vision as expansive as her name suggests—“Ocean of Dreams.”

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Animated films have gained recognition worldwide but remain underrepresented in Bangladesh. As an art student, the director’s interest in animation is natural, with its ability to bring fantastical stories to life. This story, set against the backdrop of the Liberation War, focuses on a family and a fish. The narrative is driven by the fish’s monologue, with characters evolving layer by layer to shape the story’s structure.

The director’s lifelong exposure to various stories about the Liberation War has shown that it’s not just a tale of armed conflict but of resilience throughout the country. In his imagination, even nature—rivers, skies, trees, and animals—feels alive in the war. "Rupali Aansh" is born from this aspiration: the story of a small fish suddenly becoming a part of the war effort.