Samsul Islam Shopon

Samsul Islam Shopon is an internationally acclaimed filmmaker and community development activist. He began his media journey in 2004 with the documentary “Turag’s Boat” and is the founder of ‘Khiyo Films’. Over a 22-year career, he has created more than fifty TVCs, OVCs, and short films, including “Sunlight” (2008), “The Sister” (2014), Punishment (2017) and the award-winning documentary “Latika” (2024), which has been screened at 41 international festivals, including COP 29 and Oscar-qualifying events. He is known for his hybrid filmmaking style and emotionally driven storytelling. In 2021, he came to Narail to make the documentary film Latika. Through the production of the film, he became deeply connected with the life and heritage of the local fishing community that practices traditional otter-assisted fishing. He subsequently left behind his luxurious urban life in Dhaka and settled permanently in Narail. He currently serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Kalyanmay Foundation. Alongside this role, he is actively engaged in the conservation, livelihood development, and cultural heritage preservation of the endangered traditional Otter Fishing community.