Synopsis
During the July 2024 protests in Bangladesh, Arif, a gig worker who relies on crutches, struggles to cope with a sudden internet and power blackout imposed by the government. His work is in jeopardy, and tensions rise when his colleague Rakib blames the outage for losing an important project, money Rakib urgently needs for his mother’s hospital bills.
At home, Arif’s son, Neon, grows restless, stuck without school or internet. As the protests continue, Arif is haunted by strange dreams that reflect the turmoil around him. In a world filled with uncertainty, Arif and those close to him face challenges that test their resilience and hope.
Director’s Profile
Taosin Md. Bahadurshah Zafar (24) is an emerging filmmaker studying Television, Film, and Photography at the University of Dhaka. As a producer at Dhaka University Television and a Peace Fellow with the Films For Peace Foundation, he has gained valuable experience in content creation and impactful storytelling. His documentary “Banyan – A Silent Witness” won awards at the Liberation Docfest Bangladesh and Peace Film Festival in 2024. Taosin has also directed and edited short films like “Proloy – A Story of Annihilation” and “Device”, showcasing his talent for emotional depth and narrative pacing.
His skills extend to editing and post-production, having worked on projects like “Obyakto” and “Khacha Vangar Golpo”. Taosin believes in film’s universal power to connect with audiences worldwide. Additionally, as an Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) at the University of Dhaka, Taosin worked on a project exploring the impact of OTT platforms in Bangladesh, interviewing renowned filmmakers and handling transcription and ethical review processes.
His latest paper exploring AI’s Role In The Future of Filmmaking was selected for presentation at the 3rd International Conference on Innovation and Transformation for Development (ITD).
Director’s Statement
As a filmmaker, I feel deeply connected to the events that unfolded during Bangladesh’s national crisis in 2024. The Black Kite is inspired by those challenging times, particularly the uncertainty and pain many of us experienced during the July Movement. I lived through those days, witnessing how the breakdown of systems caused both personal struggles and collective despair.
The film’s protagonist, Arif, mirrors this struggle. He’s not just grappling with the loss of internet and electricity; he’s also weighed down by a deep sense of hopelessness. His crutches symbolize how the country itself felt stuck—unable to move forward due to forces beyond its control. The breakdown in communication and Rakib’s injury reflect the emotional toll on everyone, as lives were disrupted in ways both big and small.
One of the most striking moments in the film is Arif’s dream. The image of blood-stained rice and falling bullets shows how chaos can seep into even the most ordinary parts of life. It’s a reminder of how, during times of crisis, nothing feels safe or untouched by fear.
At its core, The Black Kite is a story of resilience. Arif’s journey is one of pushing forward, even when the odds seem impossible. Neon, Arif’s young son, symbolizes the next generation—filled with potential but waiting for their chance to rise, like the kite that refuses to take flight.
This film is very personal to me because it captures the struggles of 2024 while also holding onto the hope for a better future. Through The Black Kite, I hope viewers will reflect on their own moments of helplessness and see the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges, no matter how overwhelming they seem.
