For Sunerah Binte Kamal, the journey from her debut in No Dorai to the red carpet of the Venice International Film Festival has been nothing short of remarkable. The actress, who won the National Film Award for her very first film, now finds herself at the center of global attention with Rubaiyat Hossain’s The Difficult Bride.
“I’m absolutely delighted. This is a moment of joy not only for everyone involved with the film, but for our country’s cinema as well. And yes, I’ll be travelling to Venice too,” Sunerah said, her excitement palpable.
The film’s selection in the competition section of Venice marks a historic achievement for Bangladeshi cinema. For Sunerah, it is both a professional milestone and a personal adventure. “Filmmakers and cinema professionals from different parts of the world will be there. I hope being part of such a prestigious festival will allow me to learn, experience and discover so much more,” she reflected.
Her admiration for director Rubaiyat Hossain shines through. “She is incredibly talented, but also a genuinely wonderful person. Even after filming wrapped, she remained in touch with us and would check in every week. Many people move on once a shoot is over, but she is different. I truly admire that about her.”
Sunerah believes The Difficult Bride embodies everything that makes a film memorable — a strong story, a dedicated team, compelling performances, and a director with vision. “I believe our film will capture attention at such a prestigious festival and earn the love and appreciation of audiences,” she said with confidence.
This is not her first brush with international acclaim. In 2022, she traveled to South Korea with Nuhash Humayun’s Moshari, which was screened at an international festival. Yet Venice, with its grandeur and legacy, feels like a new chapter.
Looking ahead, Sunerah intends to be selective. “I want to continue being part of films, but only if they are meaningful. I’m receiving scripts, but I’ll only commit to a project when I genuinely connect with it.”
For now, she remains busy with television dramas, but her heart is set on Venice — a place she hopes will open new doors, not just for her, but for Bangladeshi cinema.
