Biography
Sohel Rahman is an acclaimed Bangladeshi-Portuguese independent filmmaker, celebrated for his deeply impactful work that brings global attention to critical social issues. He is best known for his award-winning documentary The Ice Cream Sellers, which delves into the harrowing experiences of Rohingya refugees, offering a poignant examination of the genocide and its aftermath. Rahman's work has not only earned him accolades at prestigious film festivals but has also positioned him as a thought leader in socially engaged filmmaking.
Early Life and Artistic Foundations
Born in Bangladesh and later settling in Portugal, Sohel Rahman’s upbringing was shaped by the intersection of two rich cultural landscapes. This dual heritage enriched his storytelling lens, allowing him to craft narratives that are both locally grounded and universally resonant. Sohel pursued higher education in both Bangladesh and Europe. He earned a Master’s degree in Documentary Film Directing through the prestigious DocNomads European Joint Masters program, studying in Hungary, Belgium, and Portugal. He also holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in Bangladesh. Rahman’s passion for filmmaking was fueled by his desire to give voice to the voiceless, turning the camera into a tool for advocacy and change.
The Ice Cream Sellers and Global Recognition
Rahman’s most celebrated work, The Ice Cream Sellers, is a documentary that intricately weaves the story of Rohingya refugees living in precarious conditions in Bangladesh. Through the lens of children selling ice cream to survive and release their father from the prison of Myanmar, the film captures the resilience of a displaced community while shedding light on the atrocities of the Rohingya genocide.
The documentary won the Best Documentary Feature Film Award at the Montreal South Asian Film Festival, Canada and Audience Choice Best Documentary Film Award at the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival, Seattle, USA garnering widespread acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and cinematic excellence. The film has been screened at over 30 universities and institutions worldwide, including Yale University, the University of Chicago, Boston University, UCLA, the University of Sussex, UK, Humboldt University, Berlin, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Australian National University, making it a cornerstone in academic discussions about human rights and refugee crises. Rahman’s other notable works include Songs from Another Eden, A Passagem, and the upcoming Autopsy of a Genocide and “Grief and Glory”. He has also contributed to a project on Rohingya food culture showcased at the British Museum, further cementing his reputation as a global storyteller.
Educator and Mentor for Socially Engaged Filmmaking
Beyond filmmaking, Sohel Rahman is a sought-after educator and mentor. He has delivered masterclasses on socially engaged filmmaking at prominent institutions such as the University of Oregon, Durham University, and the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, among others. In these sessions, Rahman emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a medium for social change, encouraging filmmakers to address inequality, displacement, and human rights violations.
Rahman’s masterclasses are renowned for blending theoretical insights with practical tools, inspiring students and filmmakers to create works that challenge injustice and amplify marginalized voices.
Legacy and Impact
Sohel Rahman’s contributions to cinema and academia have had a far-reaching impact. His films are not merely artistic achievements but powerful instruments for fostering empathy and driving dialogue around critical global issues. By screening his work at universities and engaging with students and academics, Rahman has established himself as a key figure in the intersection of art, activism, and education.
Through his films and teachings, Sohel Rahman continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers to harness the power of storytelling to advocate for justice and humanity. His work stands as a testament to the transformative potential of cinema in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time..
Film Works
The Ice Cream Sellers 2021
The Ice Cream Sellers (75") tells the story of two little siblings and the genocide survivors of the Rohingya community who fled from Myanmar into Bangladesh after a brutal genocide. While most of the Rohingya people were exhausted from the weight of their trauma, the two siblings began their new life with hard work, selling cheap ice-cream door to door in the world ́s largest refugee camp in a desperate attempt to earn enough money to bribe officials for the release of their father from prison in Myanmar. The film invites the audience to become a part of the journey of two children across the refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, just as the director himself was invited and received intimate access into their journey of life. The film portrays a story of tragedy and loss, courage, and suffering. On one hand, we have parents’ harrowing tales of their flight from their homeland, and on the other, we see laughter and the irrepressible spirit of the children.
Autopsy of a Genocide (2021-2025, in post-production stage)
Autopsy of a Genocide" is a compelling narrative of persistence and resilience, interwoven with tragedy, loss, hope, and compassion.
The film delves into the profound and deeply moving story of the Rohingya people, exploring the aftermath of the genocide and the plight of one of the most persecuted communities in the world. It raises critical questions for decision-makers, leaders, and politicians about the present and future of the Rohingya community, examining the massacre and bloodshed perpetrated by the Burmese military as an undeniable act of genocide.
Will this community be confined to the margins of existence in refugee camps forever, or is there hope for their eventual return to their homeland?
The Old Man and The Tree (2024-2026) (work in progress)
Amidst the bleakness of the world's largest refugee camp in Bangladesh, Bashir, an elderly Rohingya man armed with a radio, becomes a source of hope and resilience for a displaced, persecuted community. Under an ancient banyan tree, he tells the story of their past, and waits for news of repatriation, as they strive to find light amid the lingering darkness of their tragic history.