English 
Bengali 
Priyo Maloti film which is the debut of Shankha Dasgupta captured the prestigious Audience Award at the 8th London Bengali Film Festival (LBFF) held from April 22 to 27, 2025.The film received universal praise at its UK premiere at Barbican Cinema on April 22 winning the hearts of audience members with its heart wrenching narrative.
The London Bengali Film Festival, a major highlight of the UK’s cultural scene celebrates the richness of Bengali cinema and fosters a vibrant cross-cultural exchange. The 8th festival had a specially curated program of films that capture the changing landscape of Bengali storytelling.
Based on a true story Priyo Maloti recounts the life of a pregnant woman whose world is dramatically changed, reflecting on themes of resilience and change. The narrative’s emotional resonance and powerful performances touched hearts, leading to the Audience Award a victory for its timelessness and the strength of genuine storytelling.
The cast of the film is anchored by famous actress Mehazabien Chowdhury aided by Rizvi Rizu, Shahjahan Samrat, Momena Chowdhury, Nader Chowdhury, Somu Chowdhury, Anisul Haque Borun, and Azad Abul Kalam. Together, they have played pivotal roles in rendering the film’s powerful story.
In a tweet posted on social media, director Shankha Dasgupta thanked the audience writing that “Delighted to share that ‘Priyo Maloti’ has won the Audience Award at the 8th London Bengali Film Festival! Thankful to everyone who had faith in our tale, your love and support made this possible.”
Priyo Maloti’s victory at the LBFF testifies to the increasing appreciation of Bangladeshi cinema internationally indicative of its ability to engage audiences across the globe through engaging stories and common themes.
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