Bangladeshi cinema has taken another step forward on the international stage with director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s film “Roid”. Centred on folk culture, human emotions, and stories rooted in the soil, the film has now been selected for the official programme of Austria’s prestigious International Film Festival Innsbruck (IFFI).

Previously, the film drew international attention after being screened at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) and the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). In continuation of that success, industry insiders view its selection for IFFI — regarded as one of Europe’s significant independent film festivals — as a major achievement.

According to reports, “Roid” will be screened in the festival’s Audience Competition section. Two screenings of the film are scheduled to take place in Innsbruck, Austria, on June 2 at 9:15pm and on June 3 at 9:25pm.

Innsbruck is widely known as one of Europe’s popular tourist destinations and a renowned winter sports city. It also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. The festival is internationally recognised for showcasing films focused on human rights, cultural diversity, and contemporary realities.

The festival, which features works by independent filmmakers from around the world, has previously hosted acclaimed directors such as Kiro Russo, Panah Panahi, Haile Gerima, and Shaji N Karun. This year, Bangladesh’s “Roid” has joined that distinguished line-up.

The film features Nazifa Tushi, Mostafizur Noor Imran in lead roles.