Tanvir Mokammel’s documentary “Motuyamongol” has been nominated in the Best Documentary category at the upcoming New York Bangla Film Festival, adding another international recognition to the veteran filmmaker’s body of work. The festival, scheduled to take place in New York later this year, showcases significant films from Bangladesh, West Bengal and the global Bengali diaspora. 

Also nominated in the same category is “Basanti”, a documentary by Sandip Mistry, a former student of the Bangladesh Film Institute.

Running approximately 105 minutes, “Motuyamongol” explores the history, culture and philosophical foundations of the Motua community. The documentary traces the community’s social and religious journey, highlighting its traditions, struggles and evolving place in contemporary society.

The film features cinematography by Rakibul Hasan, art direction by Uttam Guha, background score by Syed Shabab Ali Arzoo and narration by Chittralekha Guho.

Reflecting on the nomination, filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel said, “‘Motuyamongol’ is more than a documentary for me; it is an attempt to understand a history, a faith and a way of life. My primary goal was to portray the lives, struggles and cultural heritage of the Motua community through the language of cinema.”

He added, “Being nominated at the New York Bangla Film Festival is a major recognition for our entire team. We hope such recognition will encourage filmmakers to pursue more research-based and culturally significant documentary projects.”

A recipient of the Ekushey Padak, Mokammel is widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s leading documentary and feature filmmakers, known for works that engage with history, culture and social change. 

The nomination places “Motuyamongol” among a growing number of Bangladeshi documentaries gaining visibility on the international festival circuit.