“A poignant exploration of isolation, the human need for connection, and the small acts of survival that bind us to the world.”

Bangladeshi screenwriter and director Mahde Hasan’s debut feature Sand City, winner of the Proxima Competition at the most recent Karlovy Vary festival, unfolds within a city where the landscape and its inhabitants share a profound connection: sand. A place where two seemingly unrelated characters cross paths, yet beneath the surface, their shared loneliness binds them. Emma (Victoria Chakma) and Hasan (Mostafa Monwar), though strangers to one another, are both intricately tied to this lonely, sand-filled world, and the city of sand becomes the very fabric of their existence. As Hasan aptly puts it, “there’s no shortage of sand in this city.” The film’s story is not about grand connections or romantic entanglements, but about quiet, intimate moments. Emma and Hasan’s lives intersect through their solitude and the small, strange things they need to survive in this urban wilderness. Emma is searching for sand for her cat’s litter, while Hasan is looking for it to support his glass business. Their worlds collide when Emma stumbles upon a severed finger, which, oddly enough, becomes her only companion in this indifferent city.

Through the eyes of Emma and Hasan we are introduced to the city of Dhaka, captured in all its raw, unvarnished beauty. The cinematography (by Mathieu Giombini) here is nothing short of stunning, painting Dhaka not just as a place but as a living, breathing entity. The city feels as much a part of the story as the characters themselves, reflecting the loneliness, frustration, and struggles of its people. It’s not just a city; it’s a state of mind — one filled with isolation and the quiet desire to stay afloat. The film captures the essence of the city’s multiple faces — sometimes harsh, sometimes melancholic, but always alive with the pulsating rhythm of its streets. Whether it’s the crowded markets, the dust-filled alleys, or the serene moments of solitude, Dhaka becomes an unforgettable character in its own right. Giombini’s use of color is particularly striking, ensuring that the viewer’s attention is always held. The film’s visual storytelling allows the audience to feel the weight of every scene, whether it’s the suffocating air of the city or the quiet, almost surreal moments between Emma and her finger. The vibrant yet subdued tones of the film echo the city’s mood – gritty, beautiful, and full of life, even in its loneliness.

Equally impressive are the performances of the cast. Every actor has stepped into their role with depth and sincerity, breathing life into a film that’s as much about what’s unsaid as it is about what’s spoken. Each moment feels authentic, and the chemistry between the characters, especially Emma and Hasan, feels organic, even though their lives are worlds apart. Ultimately, Sand City is a poignant exploration of isolation, the human need for connection, and the small acts of survival that bind us to the world. It’s a film that lingers in your mind, not because of grandiose drama, but because of its raw portrayal of what it means to simply exist in a world that doesn’t always notice you.