Actor Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed is set to make her feature directorial debut with “Someshwari”, a film that explores environmental degradation and its impact on rural communities in northeastern Bangladesh.

Known for her work across film, television and theatre, Nawshaba has remained active on stage through productions such as “Siddhartha”, directed by Reza Arif and staged by Aarshinagar Dhaka. She also founded the theatre troupe Together We Can, which works with children and people with special needs through creative and therapeutic arts initiatives. 

Produced by Bibesh Roy, “Someshwari” was filmed in Madhyanagar and nearby areas along the Someshwari River in Sunamganj. The cast combines Nawshaba with first-time performers and local residents from the region.

Roy previously produced the feature “Dhaner Kabya”, which was also inspired by stories from the Madhyanagar area. This time, he remains behind the scenes as producer while a collaborative team developed the new project.

According to the filmmakers, “Someshwari” emerged through a collective creative process involving Nawshaba and several collaborators, including Apan, Lata and Zahid. Rather than beginning with a completed screenplay, the team travelled to Madhyanagar and developed the story on location.

Speaking about the project, Nawshaba said she had not initially planned to appear in the film. However, after failing to find a suitable performer for the central role, she eventually stepped in as the lead actor.

She said her familiarity with rural Bangladesh helped her prepare for the role.

“My father often took me to villages across the country. I have a close understanding of rural life and the people who live there. That made the process easier, and the people of Madhyanagar were incredibly supportive throughout the shoot,” she said.

Nawshaba said the film addresses the environmental consequences of unchecked modernisation and questions what kind of world is being left behind for future generations.

“Someshwari” has been produced under Green Films, a banner of the International Academy of Film and Media.