The short film ‘UNSEEN’, directed by Paris-based filmmaker Syed Sahil, has secured a spot in the official selection of the 16th Nikon Film Festival. Standing as the sole Bangladeshi entry in this year’s competition, the film emerged from a pool of over 6,000 global submissions.

Centered on the festival’s 2026 theme, “Beauty,” the production moves away from traditional aesthetics to examine overlooked human emotions. Shot in Paris, the film features a French-speaking cast including Jean-Luc Jacquot and Juliette Pirotte, alongside Bangladeshi actor Imtiaz Ronnie. 

Despite its European setting and language, Sahil noted that the core technical crew—including cinematographer Parbot Raihan and editor Nissan Mahmud—is primarily of Bangladeshi origin.

“This selection itself feels like a win for us,” Syed Sahil told The Business Standard.
“To be representing Bangladesh on such a global platform and to be the only film from the country this year is incredibly humbling.”

The project is currently entering the Online Public Voting phase, which remains open until 26/March. The results of this round will determine if the film advances into the festival’s top 50 across various categories.

Sahil stated that the selection serves as a platform for Bangladeshi creators working within international circuits.

Members of the public can view the film and cast their votes via the festival’s official digital platforms through the end of the voting period.