The 5th edition of Dhaka DocLab, an international documentary production project in Bangladesh, concluded with an online award-distribution ceremony on September 27, crowning ‘Devi’, produced by Subina Shrestha of Nepal, with the Best South Asian Project Award.

Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, sponsored the Best South Asian Project Award.

“We’re very happy to support Dhaka DocLab since its inception. This is going to be a powerful platform to initiate positive changes in our community and in our country,” said Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of the Cosmos Foundation. 

Read: ‘An Insignia of a Forced Winter’ wins Best Project at Dhaka DocLab-2020

The fifth edition of this unique international workshop-cum-market pitching programme provided a total of six awards.

The Best Project Bangladesh Award, supported by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, went to ‘First Fairytale Book’ by ABM Nazmul Huda and an Award for a Social Impact Film by Global Film and Media Initiative went to ‘Trap’ by M. Nipunika Fernando from Sri Lanka.

The Doc Edge New Zealand Award, an invitation to pitch at Doc Edge was won by both ‘Land of Despise’ from Bangladesh and ‘Devi’ from Nepal. The International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA) mentorship prize was secured by ‘Field Marshal’ from Bangladesh and Docedge Kolkata Award was received by ‘Land of Despise’ from Bangladesh.

This year, the Dhaka DocLab was held between 28th August – 27th September in three phases. A total of 21 projects from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were pitched in front of the esteemed decision makers from around the world.

Read: Fourth edition of Dhaka DocLab kicks off online

Nasiruddin Yousuf, an eminent cultural activist and Dhaka DocLab chair, presided over the concluding event and extended heartfelt gratitude to all the partners, sponsors and participants.