Two Bangladeshi short films have been selected for the 9th edition of the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF). The selected films are “The Pair of White Pigeons”, directed by Shahriar Azad, and “Memories and Miseries”, directed by Fakhrul Alam.

Shahriar Azad’s “The Pair of White Pigeons” is a reflective narrative rooted in memory and emotion. Centring on a pair of pigeons, the short film is deeply connected to the filmmaker’s childhood experiences.

Speaking about his work, Azad said he grew up in a remote rural area of Jhikargacha in Jashore district, and that the memories, emotions and realities of that upbringing are reflected in the film. He noted that rural life, nature and the complex emotions of people come together to form a sensitive and evocative narrative.

In contrast, Fakhrul Alam’s “Memories and Miseries” is an experimental film. The story follows the journey of a soul trapped in a mysterious state between heaven and earth, revisiting two distinct chapters of its past life. In one chapter, the soul appears as a writer searching for human stories and shaping language from emotions and experiences.

In the other, it takes the form of a priest, a silent witness to a war-torn time, confronting human suffering, guilt and confessions on a daily basis. The film explores themes of memory, remorse and existential inquiry. Sharif Siraj and Khalid Hasan appear in the film.

The 9th Nepal International Film Festival is scheduled to take place in Kathmandu, Nepal, from April 2 to 6.