Aung Rakhine


Aung Rakhine is a Bangladeshi filmmaker noted for his films My Bicycle and The Last Post Office; premiered at several international festivals, including the Locarno Film Festival, the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, and Göteborg Film Festival that brings him international recognition. My Bicycle is the country's first Chakma language film.
The Bangladesh Film Censor Board blocked the commercial release of My Bicycle, citing language barriers and concerns over the film's portrayal of the military. The film featured an all-local cast with no professional actors involved.

Early life and education

Aung Rakhine was born in Harbang, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Development Alternative in 2011. He also pursued a film direction course at the National Institute of Mass Communication under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Career

Aung Rakhine has started his career in film as an executive producer at Bengal Creations Ltd from February 2015 to September 2018 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Additionally, he co-founded Khona Talkies and served as a director and executive producer from 2015 to March 2019. He is one of the producers of Khona's film Made in Bangladesh directed by Rubaiyat Hossain. Aung also served as executive producer of Giasuddin Selim's film Swapnajaal.

Filmography

On August 8, 2024, an independent film activist group organized an open screening called #CinemaDehuntis as part of a reformist movement urging the government to abolish film censorship. This campaign is a subset of the broader Student–People's uprising in Bangladesh opposing the Awami administration.
  • Mru - Feature film, based on the ethnic group Mru, ongoing project since 2022.

    Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Aung Rakhine has received awards and recognized indigenous filmmakers from Bangladesh, showcased at numerous international film festivals.
  • Best Screenplay Award - Ufa Silver Akbuzat Ethnic Cinema Festival, Russia.
  • Honourable Mention - Cine Kurumin - Int. Indigenous Film Festival, Brazil.
  • Audacious Bangladesh Award - ACI Group, Bangladesh.
  • Best Cinematographer Award - WhatsON, Bangladesh.