"Noya Manush", directed by Sohel Rana Boyati, portrays the lives of people living on the remote river islands (chars) of Bangladesh. Released in theatres across Bangladesh on December 6 last year, the film received widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics.

The fifth edition of the Kashmir World Film Festival, taking place in Srinagar — the largest city in Jammu and Kashmir, India — will feature "Noya Manush" among its international selections. 

Scheduled to run from November  1 to 7, the seven-day festival will also showcase films from Egypt, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and India, alongside Bangladesh.

Based on A M M Hasanuzzaman's novel "Bedonar Baluchore", the film's screenplay and dialogues were written by acclaimed playwright Masum Reza.

The cast includes Rawnak Hasan, Mousumi Hamid, Ashish Khandakar, Jhuna Chowdhury, Shikha Karmakar, Nilufar Wahid, Badruddoza, Mahin Rahman, Nazmul Hossain, Smaran Saha, Sanjana Mehran, and child artiste Ushoshi.

Speaking about the festival selection, writer and actor A M M Hasanuzzaman said, "When I wrote the story, I didn't think so far ahead, but the love the film has received from audiences is beyond imagination. By participating in various international festivals, "Noya Manush" is raising awareness against religious fanaticism, spreading the message of peace, and highlighting the true essence of faith."

Director Sohel Rana Boyati shared, "My first feature film "Noya Manush" being showcased in different international festivals is truly a matter of pride. It represents Bangladesh as the only entry in this festival. I believe our films will gradually find a place in people's hearts."

Filmed in the remote Kanudir Char of Chandpur by cinematographer Komol Chandra Das, the film features songs by Baul Shafi Mondol, Chandana Mazumder, Belal Khan, Animesh Roy, Masa Islam, and Khairul Wasi. The music has been composed by Emon Chowdhury, Mushfiq Litu, and Shovon Roy.