Bangladeshi independent filmmaker Zayed Siddiki's latest short film "Darkaak" (RAVEN, 2024) has been officially selected for competition at the 31st Minsk International Film Festival Listapad — one of Eastern Europe's most prestigious film events.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, the Minsk City Executive Committee, and the National Film Studio "Belarusfilm," the festival is among the largest cultural events in Belarus and a former FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations) accredited international festival. The 2025 edition will take place from October 31 to November 7 under the slogan "History that Changes Perspectives."

This year's competition programme will feature 157 films from 41 countries, selected from 3,655 submissions representing 120 nations. Among only 13 short films chosen from over 2,200 entries, "Darkaak" (RAVEN) will represent Bangladesh as the sole entry in the short film competition. The film will be screened on Thursday, November 2, at 3:00 pm local time at the renowned Moskva Cinema in Minsk, which will host the entire short film competition lineup.

Inspired by a short story by acclaimed writer Shahidul Zahir, the screenplay and dialogue for "Darkaak" (RAVEN) were written by Zayed Siddiki himself.

The film follows an elderly man, dependent on his family, as he faces a deep existential crisis. When he realises his diminishing relevance in an important family decision, he retreats inward — becoming defiant and lost. "Darkaak" (RAVEN) explores the familiar yet often unseen struggles and the vivid, chaotic lives of urban subalterns.