After earning international attention on the festival circuit, Mehazabien Chowdhury’s ‘Saba’ is finally heading to Bangladeshi theatres.
Directed by Maksud Hossain, the film is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on September 26, arriving during the Durga Puja festivities.
The release marks an important milestone for Mehazabien, who is making her feature-film debut with a project that has already travelled to several prominent international film festivals.
‘Saba’ Tells a Story of Love, Responsibility and Sacrifice
At the centre of ‘Saba’ is a young woman carrying the responsibilities of her family after the death of her father.
Mehazabien plays the titular character, Saba, who devotes herself to caring for her mother, Shirin, after an accident leaves her dependent on a wheelchair.
Their already difficult circumstances become even more challenging when Shirin suffers a sudden heart attack and requires urgent surgery.
Saba is then forced to confront an overwhelming situation, balancing her responsibilities toward her mother with the fear of losing the only family she has left.
The film explores themes of family, sacrifice, resilience and emotional endurance, using an intimate domestic story to address experiences that can resonate well beyond its central characters.
From Toronto to Bangladesh
Before reaching local theatres, ‘Saba’ established a significant presence on the international festival circuit.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2024, where it introduced the project to an international audience.
It subsequently screened at several other major festivals, including Busan, Red Sea, Gothenburg, Sydney and Raindance.
Its festival journey brought attention to the film’s emotional storytelling and performances, building anticipation for its eventual release in Bangladesh.
The international screenings also gave Mehazabien an opportunity to present her first feature-film performance to audiences outside the country.
Mehazabien Leads an Intimate Ensemble
Alongside Mehazabien, Mostafa Monwar and Rokeya Prachy play important roles in the film.
The performances are central to the film’s intimate approach, with the story focusing less on spectacle and more on the emotional pressures faced by its characters.
For Mehazabien, the role of Saba represents a major transition from her extensive television career to feature filmmaking.
A Significant Local Release
The September 26 release gives ‘Saba’ an opportunity to connect with Bangladeshi audiences after its extensive international festival run.
Its arrival during the Durga Puja period could also bring the film before a diverse holiday audience, while its festival reputation may encourage viewers who have followed its journey abroad to finally experience it on the big screen.
For Mehazabien, the theatrical release is particularly significant. After years of establishing herself as a leading television performer, she is now entering a new phase of her career through cinema.
