Ruhul Robin Khan
Ruhul Robin Khan, 29, is a film director and scriptwriter. Khan graduated in anthropology from Rajshahi University. He is now doing his Masters in Television and Film Studies at Dhaka University. He debuted as a director through the television film Neoti (Fate) in 2010. His first short length feature film Identity was shown at the 14th Dhaka International Film Festival held recently. YI recently met him for an exclusive interview.
Sheikh Iraj
What inspired you to become a moviemaker?
When I was in college, I wanted to become an actor. Then I got admitted to university and realised that directing and writing suits me better. Initially, there was no support from my family. Sometimes, they found it hard to believe that I was continuing my studies, because most of the time I would hang out with my friends who were associated with filmmaking. My friend Shahin Shadin was the one who motivated me all the way, and we made our first TV drama together as well.
Did you get any institutional training in this field?
Yes, I believe in institutional training. That is why I took admission in Television and Film Studies programme at Dhaka University.
How would you define the role of a director?
A good directorial work depends on teamwork. Its a combination of camera, light, art and many other aspects. A directors role is to guide the team, make sure everything is in the right place and keep an eye on all the elements.
How would you define your style as a filmmaker?
I believe we human beings are the most mysterious and complex species. And even more complex is human psychology. I like to work with human psychology.
Your film Indentity has been screened at the Dhaka International Film Festival. Please tell us something about that.
My film is about sexual diversity. In a culture where even heterosexuality is almost a heated subject for discussion in the public sphere, homosexuality is a taboo. I got interested about different sexual orientations while I was studying anthropology. I know its a sensitive subject, and I believe it will be unjust to the viewers to disclose further!
Tell us about your current project and future plans.
My current project is Antoraghat (Tender to the touch). Its about the psychological conflict between an 80-year old man and a 27-year-old hearing impaired woman. About future plans, I am in my final semester and after completing it, I would like to go abroad for further studies on filmmaking.
