The critically acclaimed Bangladeshi film Boli: The Wrestler, which won the top award at the most prestigious film festival in Asia, the Busan International Film Festival, is set to be screened at the Burning Crab Festival in Cox’s Bazar.

This three-day festival will occur from January 29 to 31 at the Mermaid Beach Resort on Pechar Dwip, along Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive.

Directed by Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, Boli: The Wrestler has been showcased in major international festivals, including Shanghai, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Barcelona, and most recently at the Dhaka International Film Festival.

The film has garnered immense praise from international critics and has earned a place in the Asian Film Archive. It also represented Bangladesh in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. The cast includes Nasir Uddin Khan, A.K.M. Itmam, Priyam, Angel Noor, Tahadil Ahmed, and Tanveer Ahmed.

Boli: The Wrestler marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s cinematic history. The film’s rich portrayal of Chattogram’s traditional wrestling culture and coastal folklore aligns perfectly with the festival’s theme.

Anisul Haque Chowdhury, Managing Director of Mermaid Eco-Tourism Ltd, the organizer of the Burning Crab Festival, said, “Watching a film shot by the sea while sitting by the sea will be an extraordinary experience.”

By Rajin Saleh

Photo: Rajin Saleh