March 2025 – Bangladeshi filmmaker Abu Shahed Emon continues to make waves in Japan’s cinematic landscape, as his Japanese-language short film, “Tenement of Secret Talk,” has won top honors at two major Japanese film festivals. The film received the ‘Excellence Award’ at the Kumagaya Ekimae Short Film Festival and secured the Runners-Up Prize at the Tsukuba Short Movie Competition.
At the Kumagaya Ekimae Short Film Festival, held in February 2025, the jury, chaired by Makoto Matsuzaki, praised the film for its masterful execution within the traditional ‘period drama’ framework. Matsuzaki remarked, “By making full use of the ‘film studio’ in Kyoto, it was skillfully crafted within the traditional ‘period drama’ framework. This aligns with a recent trend, suggesting that such content may be gaining global recognition.”
The festival also featured acclaimed filmmaker Yoshida Daihachi as a guest judge. On behalf of Abu Shahed Emon, the film’s Assistant Director, Yusuke Hiza, and Production Manager, Yoshiko Watanabe, accepted the award.
The film also gained recognition at the Tsukuba Short Movie Competition, a festival dedicated to promoting cinema culture from Tsukuba. Out of 163 entries, “Tenement of Secret Talk” was among the 11 selected films and received the Runners-Up Prize (Second Best Prize of the Festival).
The festival, organized in collaboration with the City of Tsukuba, held its screenings at the Tsukuba Expo Center Planetarium Hall, with esteemed filmmaker Yoshihiro Nakamura serving as the Head of the Jury. Production Manager Yoshiko Watanabe accepted the award on behalf of Emon.
These accolades mark a significant milestone for Emon, who made his Japanese directorial debut with “Tenement of Secret Talk.” The film, developed as part of the Kyoto Filmmakers Lab under the Kyoto HISTORICA International Film Festival, showcases Emon’s storytelling prowess in the traditional Jidaigeki (period drama) genre.
Shot at Kyoto’s historic Shochiku Studio, the film authentically captures the essence of Japan’s feudal Edo period, weaving a narrative enriched with historical costumes, authentic props, and immersive storytelling.
In addition to these recent awards, “Tenement of Secret Talk” has been officially selected at several prestigious Japanese film festivals, further solidifying its impact on Japan’s film circuit.
These include the Hokkaido International Film Festival (2024), Iwatsuki Film Festival (2025), Niigata Indies Movie Festival, Kumagaya Ekimae Short Film Festival (Excellence Award, 2025), Tsukuba Short Movie Competition (Runners-Up Prize, 2025), Tachikawa Meigazadori Cinema Festival (10th edition, 2024), Nasu Short Film Festival (2024), Hakodate Harbor Illumination Film Festival, and Tokyo Arts Center Japan Video Grand Prix (2024).
Reflecting on his journey, Emon stated, “Creating ‘Tenement of Secret Talk’ with an international crew at Shochiku Studio was an extraordinary experience. I am honored by the recognition the film has received and grateful for the support from the Kyoto Filmmakers Lab mentors and the Japanese film community.”
Abu Shahed Emon is no stranger to international acclaim. He also directed the critically acclaimed web series “Mercules” for the Bangladeshi OTT giant Chorki and produced several acclaimed films, including “Sincerely Yours, Dhaka” (“Iti, Tomari Dhaka”), “A House with No Names” (“Patalghar”), and “No Ground Beneath the Feet” (“Payer Toley Mati Nai”). Notably, his multi-award-winning debut film “Jalaler Golpo” (“Jalal’s Story”, 2014) represented Bangladesh at the Oscars in 2016, followed by “Sincerely Yours, Dhaka” in 2020 and “No Ground Beneath the Feet” in 2023.
With the continued success of “Tenement of Secret Talk,” Emon once again demonstrates his ability to bridge cultures and bring compelling narratives to the international stage. The film’s recent accolades reaffirm his growing influence in the global film industry and his unique storytelling voice that transcends borders.
