A short film titled “A Snail without Shell” is making waves on the international film circuit. Based on the lives of the Garo community in Bangladesh, the film stands out not only for its poignant narrative but also for its authenticity—being made in the Garo community’s native Achik language.
Directed by Mohin Rakhaine, a filmmaker from the indigenous community, “A Snail without Shell” portrays a deeply human story about the challenges and joys of Garo life, told through a lens that is rarely seen in mainstream cinema. The film was shot in the picturesque village of Chengini, located in the Kalmakanda Upazila of Netrokona District, known for its beautiful natural landscapes and Garo inhabitants.
The film’s storyline, screenplay, and direction are all handled by Mohin Rakhaine, who, despite being from the Rakhaine community, chose to create a film that authentically represents Garo culture. Mohin is a graduate of the Film and Media Studies department at the Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, and ‘A Snail without Shell’ is his debut directorial venture. The film is produced by Manoj Pramanik under the banner of Manpachitra, a production company. Pramanik, who also serves as Rakhaine’s university teacher, has played a significant role in guiding him through the filmmaking process.
Since its completion, ‘A Snail without Shell’ has garnered significant attention on the international film festival circuit. The film had its world premiere at the 12th Diaspora International Film Festival in South Korea, marking the beginning of its global journey. It has since been officially selected for the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival and the International Film Festival of South Asia in Toronto, both in 2024. The film is also set to be showcased at the 13th Dharamsala International Film Festival in Himachal Pradesh, India, on November 10, 2024. Following its international success, the film will be screened in Bangladesh in the coming months.
Despite being made on a small budget and independently produced, ‘A Snail without Shell’ has proven that passion and determination can transcend financial constraints. The film is not only a testament to Rakhaine’s filmmaking skills but also to his commitment to bringing the Garo community’s stories to the world stage. It is a proud moment for Bangladesh’s independent cinema scene, showing that even with limited resources, local stories can resonate globally and earn critical acclaim.
With a running time of just 15 minutes, ‘A Snail without Shell’ is a short fiction drama that captures the essence of life in a Garo family, portrayed by an all-Garo cast, including Subinath Mankhin, Projuta Raksam, Alias Raksam, and others. The film’s music, composed by Sayantan Mangsang and Alan Shersh Raksam, further adds to the emotive depth of the film.
As the film continues its successful run at international festivals, it shines a light on the rich culture and traditions of the Garo people, highlighting the importance of indigenous storytelling in today’s globalized world. Through his work, Mohin Rakhaine is not only establishing himself as a filmmaker but also making a significant contribution to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the Garo community.