Celebrating a vibrant winter evening of cinematic art and storytelling, Gallery Cosmos, the artistic wing of Cosmos Foundation known for its unique offerings of artistic ventures, arranged a special screening event of the exceptional film 'Ajob Karkhana' (Song of the Soul) on Saturday, January 18 as the residence of Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet in the capital's Baridhara.

Directed by Shabnam Ferdousi and produced by Samia Zaman, the film stands out as the debut fictional film for Ferdousi, who is known as a documentary filmmaker. The film was made with a grant from the Bangladeshi government, starring popular Indian-Bengali actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay in the lead role as a rock star, Rajib, alongside the country's renowned fashion model Shabnaz Sadia Emi.

This special screening was joined by luminaries and renowned personalities, including the director Shabnam Ferdousi, Ekushey Padak-winning eminent Bangladeshi artist-art maestro Farida Zaman, eminent thespian and cultural personality Sara Zaker, popular singer Mehreen Mahmud, eminent fashion designer Maheen Khan, renowned artist-art educator Bishwajit Goswami, renowned painter Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, esteemed members of Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka and others.

Regarding the unique rendezvous of film enthusiasts at this special screening, Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet said: "With great pleasure, I welcome you all to this exclusive screening of the Shabnam Ferdousi-directed exceptional film 'Ajob Karkhana' (Song of the Soul) in this wonderful winter evening. Unfortunately, the film's producer Samia Zaman is not among us here today as she is currently abroad; however, its director Shabnam Ferdousi is with us - and I believe this screening, along with her insights behind the making, will feel special to you."

Before the screening, Shabnam Ferdousi said: "This is such a unique experience for me as a filmmaker to be present among all of you with my film, 'Ajob Karkhana' which starred renowned Indian-Bengali actor Parambrata Chattopadhyay as a rock star, alongside renowned Bangladeshi fashion model Shabnaz Sadia Emi. This one-hour 49-minute musical film, which is a fictional tribute to three genres of music: rock, folk and fusion; will take you on the journey of a rock superstar, and you will explore how his worldview changes when he meets a rural Bangladeshi folk artist. I wholeheartedly thank Gallery Cosmos and its Director Tehmina Enayet for hosting this special screening." Bachchu Miah (Arif), Gallery Cosmos Executive was also present at this screening.

Describing the initiative to Dhaka Courier, Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury said: "Gallery Cosmos always hosts programs and events not only limited to art and craft but to promote different genres and artists, and this screening has been a testament to that. Through our yearlong activities, we try to showcase the works of our renowned and talented creators. We have previously showcased Shabnam Ferdousi's 2016 documentary film 'Born Together' (Jonmoshathi); and tonight, we are delighted to showcase her debut feature film 'Ajob Karkhana' here."

Shabnam Ferdousi, a well-known Bangladeshi filmmaker, film activist, newscaster, television host, and cultural figure, has worked in a variety of audio-visual media fields over the last 28 years. She directed about 40 documentaries and served as an executive producer on over 100 documentaries for Jamuna Television, ATN News, and Ekattor TV. 'Ajob Karkhana' (Song of the Soul) marked Shabnam Ferdousi's theatrical debut. In 2017, she received the Bangladesh Government's grant for this film. Released on July 12, 2024, across nationwide theatres, 'Ajob Karkhana' premiered at the Dhaka International Film Festival in January 2022, and Shabnam Ferdousi received the coveted FIPRESCI prize for her debut film.