Ekta Shwapno
Directed by Zabir Afrid
Bangladesh · 2015 · 10 min · Experimental
Submitted to OnShow International Film Festival 2026Synopsis
**Ekta Shwapno (A Dream)** is a psychological short film that explores loneliness, identity, and the fragile boundary between dreams and reality. Two versions of a man exist in a strange, unsettling world. One finds comfort in an imagined reality, while the other is trapped in a life shaped by loss. As their worlds begin to overlap, the distinction between who he was and who he has become grows increasingly unclear. What begins as an escape from reality slowly becomes a confrontation with it, raising a haunting question: what if the person you meet in your dreams is another version of yourself?
Director
Zabir Afrid is a Bangladeshi actor, writer, and filmmaker with a passion for cinema and storytelling. As an actor, he is drawn to exploring complex characters and the depth of human emotions. His interest in filmmaking allows him to express his creative vision through distinctive narratives, visual storytelling, and psychological themes. His short film Ekta Shwapno explores loneliness, identity, grief, and the blurred boundaries between dreams and reality. Created independently with minimal resources, the film reflects his interest in experimental storytelling and atmospheric cinema. Afrid aspires to contribute to the evolution of Bangladeshi cinema by creating original stories that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.
Film stills
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OnShow International Film Festival — Inaugural Edition · 2026