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‘Mati’ wins first runner-up at Migration Film Fest 2026

Published : Saturday, 1 August, 2026 at 4:39 PM

Observer Online Report

Mati, a short film directed by young Bangladeshi filmmakers Syed Sahil and Rakayet Rabbi, has won the First Runner-up award in the National Category at the inaugural Migration Film Fest 2026.

The film explores irregular migration, displacement and the human cost borne by migrants and their families. It was recognised among more than 1,000 entries from 24 countries.

Jointly organised by the Australian High Commission in Bangladesh and BRAC, the festival shortlisted 57 films before selecting 23 finalists. The awards were presented at the closing ceremony on Wednesday at the Liberation War Museum auditorium in Agargaon, with Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon attending as chief guest.

In the National Category, How Do You Do won the top award, while Mati took first runner-up and The Last Passage secured second runner-up.

Co-director Rakayet Rabbi said the film portrays the consequences of irregular migration, including the death of migrants and the suffering of their families. He said the film emphasises that life is not defined by financial success alone, but also by family, loved ones and emotional bonds.

“Our main message is to raise awareness about the importance of safe and legal migration,” he said.

Co-director Syed Sahil said his years in Paris gave him first-hand insight into the experiences of irregular migrants and their families. He said he wanted to bring those experiences to the screen after witnessing the trauma suffered by members of the Bangladeshi community following the loss of loved ones.

Produced by Masud Mia, Mati stars Anjuman Ara Shirin, Marshia Shawon, Imtiaz Ronnie, Arif Khan, Nayan Chowdhury and Alan Chowdhury.

Nissan Mahmud edited the film, while Parbot Rayhan and Monir Hossain handled cinematography. Nafis Hossain Nipu composed the post-production music.

Shot in Bangladesh and Paris, Mati focuses on the risks of irregular migration, displacement, the loss of loved ones and the tragedy of being unable to return home, even in death.

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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