Feminist Supernatural Drama 'The Difficult Bride' Reveals Cast as Rubaiyat Hossain Finishes Principal Photography (EXCLUSIVE)

Renowned Bangladeshi filmmaker Rubaiyat Hossain, celebrated for her stories centered on women, has completed principal photography in Dhaka for her upcoming feminist supernatural drama The Difficult Bride. The film features a cast led by three winners of the Bangladesh National Film Awards.

The ensemble includes Rikita Nondine Shimu (known for Venice-selected Once Upon a Time in Calcutta), Azmeri Haque Badhon (Asia Pacific Screen Awards Best Actress for Cannes-selected Rehana), and Sunehrah Binte Kamal (No Dorai). They are joined by Zaineen Karim Chowdhury, a Smith College graduate making her lead acting debut after working as an assistant director.

The story follows Novera, a bride-to-be in contemporary Dhaka, deeply in love with her fianc and dreaming of a perfect wedding, yet secretly struggling with her bodys resistance to the traditional ceremonies. As emotional tension escalates, a mysterious long-haired woman begins appearing in Noveras mind.

Hossain reflected on her cast, saying, These actors made me feel safe to completely open myself. They gave everythingemotionally, spiritually, creatively. I am deeply grateful for their trust and artistry. She added that casting Chowdhury was a huge leap of faith due to her lack of formal acting experience, but praised her for delivering precisely what the role required.

Hossains films have earned international acclaim. Her previous works include Meherjaan (2011), Under Construction (2015), and Made in Bangladesh (2019), which won multiple awards and screened at festivals worldwide.

Describing The Difficult Bride as a film 21 years in the making, Hossain first attempted the project as a short in 2006 and revisited the story repeatedly over two decades. This film has lived with me for half my life. To finally realize it with this cast and team feels like a quiet miracle, she said.

Behind the camera, cinematography is led by Portuguese filmmaker and Golden Bear winner Leonor Teles, known for her recent work Baan (2023). Hossain praised Teles for her emotional sensitivity and intuition that enhanced the film without imposing on its vision.

Production design is by Jonaki Bhattacharya (Venice-winning Labour of Love), and the score is composed by James Williams (Raw, Titane) and Dameer Khan. Badhon, Chowdhury, Khan, and Shimu contributed additional dialogue during filming.

The film was largely shot in Hossains own residence, with a predominantly female crew. Editor Raphalle Martin-Hlger returns from Made in Bangladesh, alongside sound engineer Marie-Clotilde Chery.

The Difficult Bride is produced by Franois dArtemare (France), Anna Katchko (Germany), Pedro Borges (Portugal), Ingrid Lill Hgtun (Norway), and Hossain (Bangladesh), through production companies including Frances Les Films de lAprs-midi, Germanys Tandem Productions, Portugals Midas Filmes, Norways Barentsfilm AS, and Bangladeshs Khona Talkies. The project is supported by Norways Sorfond, Germanys World Cinema Fund, Portugals ICA, Eurimages, and Frances CNC, and previously participated in the Berlinale Co-Production Market.

The film will be presented in the Work-in-Progress program at the Les Arcs Film Festival later this month. Post-production is underway and is expected to finish by March 2026.

Rubaiyat Hossain's latest project, "The Difficult Bride," represents not only the culmination of two decades of personal reflection but also the evolution of feminist cinema in Bangladesh. After years of revisiting and reshaping the story, Hossain’s dedication to this film is undeniable. This drama, which blends supernatural elements with a deeply emotional narrative, marks a significant leap in both her career and the portrayal of women's stories in South Asian cinema.

The film’s casting further reinforces this commitment to authenticity. Featuring talented actresses like Azmeri Haque Badhon and Rikita Nondine Shimu, "The Difficult Bride" brings together a powerhouse of talent. The inclusion of Zaineen Karim Chowdhury, making her acting debut, adds a fresh dynamic to the film, proving Hossain’s eye for raw, emerging talent. The director's own words about her actors—praising their emotional depth—highlight the collaborative trust that is central to the film’s creation. This is not just a movie; it's an intimate, shared artistic journey between the director and the cast.

Technically, the film promises to be a visual treat, with cinematography led by Leonor Teles, known for her sensitivity and intuition behind the camera. The involvement of a predominantly female crew ensures that the perspectives behind the scenes align with the film’s thematic core, making it a unique artistic endeavor in an industry often dominated by male narratives. Teles' role is particularly noteworthy; her subtle approach to cinematography will allow the film's themes of personal struggle and societal expectations to unfold naturally, without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.

Behind the camera, the collaboration of talented figures in production, sound, and editing further strengthens the film's potential. With a diverse production team spanning France, Germany, Portugal, Norway, and Bangladesh, the project also boasts significant international support, ensuring that it reaches audiences worldwide. The involvement of prestigious funding bodies like Eurimages and the World Cinema Fund only adds to the anticipation surrounding the film's global reception.

"The Difficult Bride" is not just a film—it is the culmination of Hossain’s career-long pursuit to tell untold stories of women in South Asia. With its unique blend of cultural commentary and supernatural elements, it is poised to leave a lasting impact on both local and global cinematic landscapes. As post-production progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming screenings, particularly the Work-in-Progress presentation at the Les Arcs Film Festival, where the final vision will begin to take shape.

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• Feminist Supernatural Drama ‘The Difficult Bride’ Unveils Cast as Rubaiyat Hossain Wraps Principal Photography (EXCLUSIVE)