An internationally acclaimed feature film highlighting the struggles of Rohingya refugees was screened in the capital on Saturday, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the lived experiences of displaced communities.

Les Fleurs du Manguier -Lost Land (2025), directed by Japanese filmmaker Akio Fujimoto, was showcased at Alliance Française de Dhaka. The film, a co-production between Japan, France, Germany, and Malaysia, has already garnered global recognition, including the Special Orizzonti Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival.

According to UNB, the 138-minute film follows the journey of two Rohingya siblings Shafi, aged four, and his nine-year-old sister Somira as they leave a refugee camp in Bangladesh and attempt a dangerous journey to Malaysia in search of their family. Produced in the Rohingya language with French and English subtitles, the film sheds light on the human cost of displacement and the risks associated with irregular migration.

by Japanese filmmaker Akio Fujimoto, was showcased at Alliance Française de Dhaka, on May 2, Saturday   / Collected 

The screening took place at Auditorium Nouvelle Vague and was open to the public, followed by an interactive discussion session. Participants engaged in conversations on the Rohingya crisis, examining its humanitarian implications, ongoing challenges, and the need for sustainable solutions, including safe living conditions and long-term support mechanisms.

The film underscores broader issues of safety, dignity, and self-reliance for displaced populations, while also reflecting concerns over trafficking and unsafe migration routes. Its narrative resonates with the current realities faced by Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and across the region.

France, one of the co-producing countries, continues to advocate for the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees. It remains actively involved in humanitarian assistance through financial contributions and diplomatic efforts.

Director Fujimoto is known for his work on migration and displacement in Southeast Asia. His earlier films, Passage of Life (2017) and Along the Sea (2020), received international acclaim for their nuanced portrayal of marginalized communities and human rights issues.

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