In a significant achievement for Bangladeshi independent cinema, filmmaker Nasir Khandaker’s experimental short film The Haze has received an honourable mention for Best Original Score / Soundtrack at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (AIMAFF) 2025, held in Greece.

Produced by Bangla Theatre of Jahangirnagar University, in association with Kavyik School of Arts, The Haze has already been officially selected at the 6th India International Star Film Awards and the Amader International Short Film Festival 2025 in Kolkata.

The film’s concept was developed by Sajal Das, with performances by Golam Faruk Joy, Urmi Chakraborty, Tarek Reza, Chan Miah, and others. Cinematography was led by Nabil Mostafa.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Aniruddha Hriday, plays a central role in shaping its emotional intensity. With no spoken dialogue and shot in black and white, sound and music guide the audience through the protagonist’s psychological descent, underscoring the film’s immersive narrative approach.

Reflecting on the recognition, Nasir Khandaker said, “This Honourable Mention is not just an acknowledgement of the film itself, but of the countless hours of collaboration, experimentation, and passion poured in by our entire team. It encourages us to continue exploring the emotional power of sound in cinema.”

Khandaker also expressed his gratitude to the festival jury, organisers, and international audience, and acknowledged composer Aniruddha Hriday for his integral creative contribution.

He remarked that, for him, The Haze is not merely a film but an exploration of inner conflict and cinematic form — challenging familiar conventions while advancing Bangladeshi independent storytelling on the global stage.