Mahde Hasan's inaugural feature film, "Sand City," is poised to captivate audiences at the upcoming Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. This compelling cinematic work, set in the bustling cityscape of Dhaka, Bangladesh, offers a profound exploration of urban existence and the intricate depths of human psychology. The film's narrative, centered around the lives of sand thieves, promises a unique blend of striking visuals and poignant storytelling, reflecting the challenging realities of life in one of the world's most densely populated cities.
The film’s inclusion in the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival's Proxima Competition marks a significant milestone for Mahde Hasan, a Bangladeshi screenwriter and director known for his distinctive short films such as "I Am Time," "Death of a Reader," and "A Boring Film." "Sand City" ventures into bold visual territory, characterized by a kaleidoscopic aesthetic that metaphorically shatters reality, mirroring the often-fragmented lives of its characters. This approach aims to provide a thought-provoking examination of societal pressures and personal struggles within a sprawling metropolis.
At the heart of the movie are two distinct yet interconnected characters: Emma, from an ethnic minority, making her screen debut portrayed by Victoria Chakma, and Hasan, a member of the majority population, played by the accomplished Bangladeshi actor Mostafa Monwar. Though strangers, their lives intertwine through their shared occupation as sand thieves—Emma for mundane purposes, Hasan for his craft of glass-making. Their paths dramatically converge with the unsettling discovery of a severed finger, which forces them to confront the fragile nature of sanity and existence, illustrating how easily the human mind can fragment under duress, much like glass.
The film's logline, "Sand, an unstable element, reveals the life in a ruthless metropolis," encapsulates its core theme. It transcends the typical "popcorn movie" experience, instead offering an intense portrayal of the darker facets of human life. The festival's description highlights the film as "an oppressive portrait of a city full of sand, blended with a stylistically refined elegy about the flow of time, personal privacy, destruction, and the tear-filled valleys of our inner worlds." This promises an introspective and immersive journey into the characters' inner landscapes.
Cinematography by Mathieu Giombini, who has collaborated with celebrated directors like Francois Ozon and David Lynch, contributes to the film's distinct visual language. Director Hasan revealed his intention to delve into "urban survival, fantasy, and sexuality" while expressing his personal connection to Dhaka, a city that consistently fuels his creative endeavors. He views the city as "a collage of broken glass," reflecting its fractured structure and form, a sentiment echoed in the film’s chosen aesthetic.
Hasan articulates his journey from an initial romanticized view of Dhaka to a deeper understanding of its inherent claustrophobia and the trapped existence of its inhabitants. He observes how time suffocates daily lives, leading to a profound "crisis of faith" where individuals lose trust and hope for a better future. This resonates with the visual and thematic choices, which draw inspiration from the works of Pedro Costa and David Lynch, particularly their mastery of shadows, light, and the seamless integration of the irrational, all without the need for extravagant special effects.
The recently released trailer provides a glimpse into the ethereal qualities of "Sand City" and introduces its main protagonists. As Hasan's character remarks, "There’s no shortage of sand in this city," hinting at his dreams of significant financial gain. This preview sets the stage for a compelling and introspective narrative, inviting viewers to witness a story that intertwines personal ambition with the harsh realities of a challenging environment.