We are a Dhaka-based creative hub nurturing bold, independent films through development, production, distribution, and meaningful collaboration.
Ratherhood Initiatives Ltd. is a Dhaka-based creative hub focused on film development, production and distribution. It was established in December 2020. Throughout the years, Ratherhood Initiatives LTD. has curated, developed and produced a handful of feature and short-length fiction and documentary film projects. So far, Ratherhood Initiatives LTD. has bagged two National Film Grants for a short and a feature-length film project, respectively.
Films produced by Ratherhood Initiatives LTD. has been selected at prestigious film labs and markets like Asian Project Market 2023 at 27th Busan International Film Festival, arranged by Produire au Sud Dharamshala (Film Lab South Asia 2023, co-arranged by Dharamshala International Film Festival 2023) and Produire au Sud Nantes 2024. Films distributed by Ratherhood Initiatives LTD. has been selected at the 45th Cairo International Film Festival and even premiered at Miradas Doc Market Catalog 2024, Spain.
In a developing country like Bangladesh, where a filmmaker’s job is still economically insecure and socially non-prestigious, Ratherhood Initiatives LTD. believes in the potential of auteur-driven, independent and challenging narratives that need to be nurtured to achieve a sustainable filmmaking culture in Bangladesh.
Over nine years, Mohd Shifat Hasan has contributed to various fields of practical filmmaking, serving as a producer, director, and assistant director in numerous short films, documentaries, and commercials in Bangladesh. After Higher Secondary in sciences, he shifted his course to Mass Communication and Journalism (BSS & MSS, University of Dhaka), and later pursued Film Studies (MA, Jadavpur University). Shifat is a gold awardee of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award programme and also the co-founder of Human Library Kolkata. Currently, Shifat holds the position of Chairman at Ratherhood Initiatives Ltd., a venture he co-founded in 2021.
Fazle Hasan Shishir is a Bangladeshi writer-director-producer from Ratherhood Initiatives Ltd. He is an alumni of the Busan Asian Film School. His filmography spans over a period of twelve years in various fields of practical filmmaking serving numerous short films, documentaries, and commercials as a cinematographer, editor, director, and producer.
Parbon mazhar is a director, producer and graphic designer focused on Bangladeshi film practices. He has directed several short films and documentaries showcasing little-known facets of Bangladeshi culture, including the inner-city rhythms in his film. Parbon was born and reared in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Following his graduation from Film and Media Studies, he is presently engaged in a variety of audio-visual projects and programming for art enactments.
Aru Arika Areng is a graduate of music. In the past few years, she has gained some on-screen and off-screen experience. She has experience in writing, transcribing and translating. She is currently working as a subtitle artist at Ratherhood Initiatives Ltd.
Shreya Chowdhury is a Dhaka-based independent film producer with a background in costume design. She has worked on projects like Alatchakra 3D, Tales of Two Widows, and Punormiloni, known for her detailed and visually rich designs. Expanding into production, she produced the feature film June and co-produced the short Sohoj Namaj Sikkha, both in post-production. Currently studying producing at the Bangladesh Television and Cinema Institute, Shreya also directed a short film as part of her coursework. Passionate about storytelling, she actively participates in workshops and continues to grow as a versatile voice in Bangladeshi Cinema.
Over the past six years, Mohammad Shahadat Hossain has been working in the research and development sectors. He believes storytelling through investigative journalism is a powerful way to contribute to the media industry. He has expertise in project design, development and implementation, as well as strategy development for impact-driven productions. Mr. Hossain holds both bachelor of arts and master of arts in economics from India. He is an alumnus and grant awardee of the U.S. Department of State. He also served as a Nextblue Fellow from Bangladesh, supported by the Earth Journalism Network. Currently, Mr. Hossain holds the position of Program Manager at Ratherhood Initiative Ltd.
Abhijit Sarker Arka, a director and producer from Dhaka, Bangladesh, specializes in documentary and independent cinema. A graduate in Film and Media from Stamford University Bangladesh, he is also an editing fellow of the World Bank Post-Production Talent Lab 2024. His directorial debut, Ginni Ma short film, premiered on local OTT BongoBD in 2018. A Flower in the Desert, a short documentary, was funded by World Bank which is currently in festival circuit. His debut feature film June is currently in post-production stage. Beyond directing, Abhijit has showcased his skills as an editor and producer on various projects, he was the editor of Alatchakra (2021), Bangladesh’s first 3D film, Ichamoti (2024), and a few in pipelines. As producer, he has worked with many multi talented director from Bangladesh.
Emon Bin Anwar is a Bangladeshi independent producer with a strong background in film studies, specializing in producing. He has produced several acclaimed short films and feature projects, collaborating with emerging and established filmmakers alike. With a commitment to bold, character-driven storytelling, Emon focuses on projects that blend local authenticity with creative experimentation. His work reflects a deep passion for nurturing unique voices in Bangladeshi cinema and pushing the boundaries of independent film production.
Sheram Chingkhei, a Sylhet-based multidisciplinary artist, uses film, poetry, and music to safeguard Bangladesh’s endangered Manipuri heritage. As Hanuba, he writes Manipuri songs (debut EP upcoming) and authored the poetry collection Pebetki Pena (2015). His films explore identity and cultural memory. Developing feature-length drama Chikonglei (IFFR HBF 2024 preselection) and script finalist Numit (Global Youth Film Festival 2024), Chingkhei resists cultural erasure through storytelling. He fosters creativity via Jumjai Sessions, a platform for young Manipuri musicians. Currently prepping a short and developing his debut feature, he bridges art and activism to ensure his heritage endures.
Iqbal Hasan Susmoy is a young filmmaker from Bangladesh, known for his work as a writer and director. A graduate of Film and Media Studies from JKKNIU, he also practices cinematography and production. As one of the youngest directors at the Ratherhood Initiatives, Susmoy is developing his debut feature film. His work combines folk traditions, myths, and the essence of everyday life, creating a distinct cinematic style that reflects his cultural roots and imaginative vision.
Irfanul Haque is a Bangladeshi filmmaker and editor whose work explores the subtle, often overlooked rhythms of human nature and society. Through a blend of raw storytelling and experimental narrative structures, he seeks to challenge conventional perspectives and engage audiences on both emotional and intellectual levels. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Irfan is a graduate of Film and Media Studies and is currently involved in a range of creative projects spanning fiction, documentary, and hybrid forms.
Ashraful K. Chowdhury is a writer, director, and producer based in Bangladesh, with over four years of experience in the audio-visual industry. A passionate storyteller at heart, Ashraful constantly strives to express narratives in every conceivable form. In his diverse body of work, he delves into the intricate dance between human nature and the depths of cultural existentialism, uncovering the profound connections that shape our existence. Throughout his career, he has lent his expertise as a producer-director-writer to many diverse projects, collaborating with corporations, government entities, NGOs, and INGOs. Apart from that, he also assisted in Cafe Desire (Web-film), Kalpurush (Web-series), and co-wrote Gulmohar (Web-series). Ashraful is making significant strides in his creative career. He is refining scripts for film and web series while developing his debut film, “Fanaa,” selected for the Qalambaaz Script Development Lab, along with his fiction project, “Oiraboter Kanna.” His commitment to storytelling aims to resonate deeply and inspire thought.
Meet the visionary producer we’ve partnered with, sharing their journey and success through impactful collaboration and global distribution support.
Unforgettable Collaboration
Working with Ratherhood has been an inspiring experience. Their clarity of purpose, creative rigor, and collaborative spirit made our Priyo Maloti feel meaningful and impact driven.
ADNAN AL RAJEEV
Producer, Priyo Maloti
Ratherhood Initiatives’ work in subtitling added emotional depth and cultural resonance to the film, showcasing their commitment to the art of storytelling. Their expertise has truly elevated the cinematic experience.
Fozle Rabby
Director, The Eternal Journey
For films to stand still in global marketplaces, exhibitions, and festivals, we craved for a team with the knowledge of accurate subtitling, spotting, and burning, and Ratherhood does it like I imagined.
Mahfuzz Nazim Mapple
Director, Resurrection
Ratherhood Initiatives is committed and skilled in contemporary filmmaking, with an international perspective that addresses the need to establish a Bangladeshi voice on the global stage.
Manoj Pramanik
Producer, Manpachitra
Ready to Collaborate?
Have an idea or need our expertise? Reach out—we’re here to bring your vision alive.
