Bangladeshi Drama ‘Roid’ Heading to Australia and New Zealand
The acclaimed Bangladeshi drama Roid is expanding its global footprint. Screenxcope has officially acquired the distribution rights for Australia and New Zealand, partnering with DeshiEvents to bring the film to theaters in both territories starting in early June.
This move marks a significant step for the film, which has already garnered attention on the international festival circuit. By targeting both the diaspora and wider general audiences, the partnership aims to leverage the film’s universal themes to secure a strong theatrical presence in the Oceania region.
- Regional Release: Theatrical rollout in Australia and New Zealand is slated for early June.
- Distribution: Acquired by Screenxcope in partnership with DeshiEvents.
- Festival Pedigree: Premiered at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam and selected for the Seattle International Film Festival.
- Director: Helmed by Mejbaur Rahman Sumon, following his success with the film Hawa.
A Cinematic Journey: From Rotterdam to the Global Stage
Roid first captured international attention as a selection for the Tiger Competition at the 55th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Its success there paved the way for further recognition, including a selection for the Seattle International Film Festival.
Sakib Iftekhar, founder and director of Screenxcope, highlighted the film’s broad appeal, stating, “‘Roid’ is a deeply universal film that cuts across cultures and geographies. There is something deeply human and instinctive in the film that stays with us and strongly aligns with the kind of work we seek to champion on our slate.”
Screenxcope isn’t new to championing high-caliber independent cinema. The distributor has previously handled acclaimed titles such as Tiger Stripes and Pooja, Sir, both of which were selections at the Venice and Cannes film festivals.
Exploring the Narrative: Desire, Attachment, and Fate
Set in the Bangladeshi countryside during a pre-digital era, Roid avoids contemporary tropes to tell a timeless, atmospheric story. The plot centers on Sadu, an impoverished tenant farmer living in isolation with his volatile wife.
The narrative takes a psychological turn as Sadu repeatedly attempts to leave his wife in unfamiliar locations, only for her to consistently find her way back to him. This cycle transforms the rural setting into a poignant allegory exploring the complexities of desire, attachment, and the inevitability of fate.
The Vision Behind the Lens: Mejbaur Rahman Sumon
The film marks the second feature for director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon. Sumon has already established himself as a powerhouse in Bangladeshi cinema with his previous work, Hawa. That film served as Bangladesh’s Academy Award submission in 2022 and made history as the first feature from the country to appear on U.S. Box office charts.
With Roid, Sumon continues to push the boundaries of Bangladeshi storytelling, blending regional specificity with themes that resonate globally.
Strategic Distribution and Production
The production of Roid is a collaborative effort between Bongo and Facecard Production, with Apoorva Bakshi of Awedacious Originals serving as executive producer.
The decision to partner with DeshiEvents for the AU/NZ release is a strategic move to ensure the film reaches its target demographics. Sayed Faiz, CEO of DeshiEvents, noted that the film “brings together strong artistic intent and audience resonance across both diaspora and wider markets.”
While the early June window is confirmed, further details regarding specific release dates and the full rollout strategy are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.