Oxfam in Bangladesh Releases Short Film 'Bihan' on Facebook

A new short film titled 'Bihan' has been officially released to the public on Facebook, making its debut on August 14, 2026. The cinematic project was brought to fruition under the umbrella of Oxfam in Bangladesh's prominent 'Rise and Lead' initiative, aiming to address critical social themes through visual storytelling on digital platforms.

The narrative of the short film centers on women's empowerment, deliberately choosing to steer clear of grand theatrical speeches or extraordinary cinematic occurrences. According to Hemanta Sadeek, who directed the film, the creative team intentionally chose to place everyday struggles at the heart of the story.

Elaborating on the creative vision behind the production, director Hemanta Sadeek noted that the filmmakers did not want to portray empowerment through dramatic or unrealistic events. Instead, the narrative focuses entirely on the very ordinary, daily battles that define the lived experiences of the characters.

Complementing the directorial vision, Mahmuda Sultana provided broader contextual insights regarding the structural changes needed to achieve true gender equality. Sultana emphasized that simply telling women to be confident or ambitious will not automatically secure genuine leadership roles across society.

Sultana further explained that meaningful transformation requires deliberate, systemic changes across institutions, workplaces, and families alike. She stressed that society must recognize women's capabilities, distribute care responsibilities much more fairly, and create genuinely equal opportunities for all.

Furthermore, the production highlights the necessity of cultivating a collective mindset geared toward sharing decision-making power. Directed by Hemanta Sadeek, the film features performances by cast members Dilruba Doyel and Nishat Priom as they bring this socially focused narrative to life.