Sand Metropolis: Karlovy Range Choice Acquired by Diversion

Bangkok-based sales company Diversion has successfully acquired the international distribution rights for the highly anticipated film “Sand City,” which marks the debut feature of Bangladeshi filmmaker Mahde Hasan. This remarkable film is set to have its world premiere in the prestigious Proxima Competition at the upcoming 2025 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The film’s selection for such a renowned festival highlights its artistic significance and the promise it holds for audiences worldwide.

Produced by the talented duo Rubaiyat Hossain and Aadnan Imtiaz Ahmed under their acclaimed production company, Khona Talkies, in collaboration with Cinema Cocoon, “Sand City” showcases a powerful narrative and artistic vision. This team has previously collaborated on the film “Made in Bangladesh,” which gained recognition at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, further solidifying their reputation in the film industry. Their partnership continues to push the boundaries of storytelling in Bangladeshi cinema.

“Sand City” has garnered significant acclaim, winning the CNC Development Award at Locarno Open Doors and participating in numerous prestigious industry programs, including Produire au Sud, La Fabrique Cinéma at Cannes, and Film Bazaar in India. These accolades emphasize the project’s artistic merit and its potential for success in the global film market. Additionally, the film received crucial production support from Visions Sud Est, further enhancing its production quality and reach.

The film’s gripping narrative unfolds through two interwoven storylines that explore the multifaceted significance of sand. One storyline features Emma, played by Victoria Chakma in her impressive screen debut, who collects sand weekly for her cat litter during her scooter rides around the vibrant city. However, her mundane routine takes a sinister turn when she stumbles upon a severed finger adorned with a crimson-painted nail buried within the sand. This shocking discovery ignites an unusual obsession within her, leading to unexpected twists in the story.

Simultaneously, another narrative follows Hasan, portrayed by Mostafa Monwar, who works at a sand-washing plant. He resorts to stealing sand to create glass in his home, as his solitary hobby spirals into grand aspirations of establishing a massive glass manufacturing facility. This ambition eventually morphs into a dangerous fantasy, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go to pursue their dreams and the potential perils that accompany them.

Mostafa Monwar brings a wealth of experience to his role, having received the award for Best Performance at the 2016 Singapore International Film Festival for his work in “Live from Dhaka”, and he has also appeared in the acclaimed Busan selection “Made in Bangladesh.” His impressive background in film adds depth to his character and contributes to the overall quality of “Sand City.”

The cinematography for “Sand City” is expertly crafted by Mathieu Giombini, the head of the cinematography department at La Fémis, infusing the Bangladeshi production with distinct European arthouse aesthetics. This collaboration not only elevates the visual storytelling but also bridges cultural narratives, making the film accessible to a broader audience while maintaining its unique identity.

Diversion has successfully secured the international rights for “Sand City”, with the exception of Bangladesh and Switzerland. Negotiations were facilitated by Mai Meksawan from the sales company, who worked closely with producer Aadnan Imtiaz Ahmed. This strategic acquisition places the film in a strong position for international festival circulation and distribution, enhancing its visibility in the global market.

The acquisition of “Sand City” signals a significant opportunity for emerging Bangladeshi cinema to gain traction on the international stage, particularly following its premiere at the Karlovy Vary festival. This achievement not only showcases the talent within the Bangladeshi film industry but also sets the stage for future collaborations and productions that can resonate with global audiences, marking a new chapter in the evolution of regional cinema.