Bangladeshi director Rubaiyat Hossain has wrapped up principal photography for her latest film "The Difficult Bride", a feminist supernatural drama that marks the culmination of a project she's been working on for nearly two decades. The film follows Zai, a bride-to-be in present-day Dhaka who is struggling with her body's resistance to traditional wedding rituals.
Hossain has assembled an all-Bangladesh cast, including three National Film Award winners: Rikita Nondine Shimu, Azmeri Haque Badhon, and Sunehrah Binte Kamal. Zaineen Karim Chowdhury, a graduate of Smith College who was previously an assistant director, makes her lead acting debut in the film.
The production has been led by predominantly female heads of department, with cinematography by Portuguese filmmaker Leonor Teles, known for her work on "Baan" (2023). The score is composed by James Williams ("Raw," "Titane") and Dameer Khan. Editor Raphaëlle Martin-Hölger returns from Hossain's previous film "Made in Bangladesh".
Hossain has spoken highly of her cast, saying they made her feel safe enough to open herself completely, both emotionally and spiritually. She praises Zaineen Karim Chowdhury, the lead actress who had no experience in acting at the time of casting, for delivering a remarkable performance.
"The Difficult Bride" is produced by a team of international producers, including François d'Artemare (France), Anna Katchko (Germany), and Hossain herself. The film has been backed by several international funding agencies, including Norway's Sorfond and Germany's World Cinema Fund.
Principal photography for the film was completed in Dhaka, with post-production underway. Completion is expected by March 2026, when "The Difficult Bride" will be presented at the Les Arcs Film Festival's Work-in-Progress program.
Hossain has assembled an all-Bangladesh cast, including three National Film Award winners: Rikita Nondine Shimu, Azmeri Haque Badhon, and Sunehrah Binte Kamal. Zaineen Karim Chowdhury, a graduate of Smith College who was previously an assistant director, makes her lead acting debut in the film.
The production has been led by predominantly female heads of department, with cinematography by Portuguese filmmaker Leonor Teles, known for her work on "Baan" (2023). The score is composed by James Williams ("Raw," "Titane") and Dameer Khan. Editor Raphaëlle Martin-Hölger returns from Hossain's previous film "Made in Bangladesh".
Hossain has spoken highly of her cast, saying they made her feel safe enough to open herself completely, both emotionally and spiritually. She praises Zaineen Karim Chowdhury, the lead actress who had no experience in acting at the time of casting, for delivering a remarkable performance.
"The Difficult Bride" is produced by a team of international producers, including François d'Artemare (France), Anna Katchko (Germany), and Hossain herself. The film has been backed by several international funding agencies, including Norway's Sorfond and Germany's World Cinema Fund.
Principal photography for the film was completed in Dhaka, with post-production underway. Completion is expected by March 2026, when "The Difficult Bride" will be presented at the Les Arcs Film Festival's Work-in-Progress program.
. But seriously, Rubaiyat Hossain is a genius for getting such an all-star cast on board! And Zaineen Karim Chowdhury going from zero experience to lead actress? That's like me trying to cook a 3-course meal and ending up with a Michelin star 
. Anyway, I'm super stoked that "The Difficult Bride" is getting international funding and love - can't wait to see this film slay the Les Arcs Film Festival in March 
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Just saw that Rubaiyat Hossain finished filming her new movie and I'm SO excited! It's been like, almost 20 years in the making... can you even imagine? 
I love how it's a feminist supernatural drama and it's all about body autonomy - so important for our generation. The fact that it's got an all-Bangladesh cast is amazing too 
Can't wait to see what she does with this one...
The fact that she's assembled an all-Bangladesh cast is a major win, it's gonna be lit to see these talented actresses shine on screen 
. And I love how the film has been led by predominantly female heads of department, it's so inspiring to see women in charge 
. Zaineen Karim Chowdhury is going to slay as the lead actress, her transformation from no experience to a remarkable performance is EVERYTHING 
Can't wait to see how this film turns out! March 2026 can't come soon enough 
yet she SLAYS the role? Girl, I'm so here for it! The fact that the director made her feel safe enough to open herself up is just beautiful 
and the team of international producers backing this film is SO COOL 
. March 2026 can't come soon enough for me 
I'm literally hyped to see what Rubaiyat Hossain has been working on for so long! A female-led cast and crew is a game-changer, especially when it comes to representation in cinema 
Toil. It's awesome that Zaineen Karim Chowdhury, an actress with no experience at the time of casting, nailed her lead role 
. I'm curious about how they'll portray the struggles of traditional wedding rituals and the body's resistance to them - will it be a powerful commentary on societal expectations? Can't wait for the March 2026 premiere! 
And the fact that it's a feminist supernatural drama set in present-day Dhaka? It sounds like something totally unique and needed on the screen. The all-Bangladesh cast is also super exciting - I love seeing more representation from different parts of the world. And can we talk about how amazing it is that they had an actress who had no acting experience before casting her for the lead role, but she still killed it? 
Zaineen Karim Chowdhury is definitely one to watch! The fact that most heads of department on set were women too? That's just awesome. I'm rooting for "The Difficult Bride" all the way - can't wait to see it in March 2026! 
. and it's awesome to see zaineen karim chowdhury killing it as the lead actress, even though she had zero acting experience when cast 
Can't wait to see The Difficult Bride on the big screen and experience Hossain's unique vision. 
. I mean, a feminist supernatural drama that's been 19 years in the making? That's some dedication right there 
. And to see an all-Bangladesh cast with talent like Rikita Nondine Shimu and Azmeri Haque Badhon is awesome 
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. Will keep you posted if I end up watching it! 
The fact that predominantly female heads of department are behind this film is also super cool, more representation is always good in the industry. And the international team producing it? That's what I call collaboration at its best 
just saw that Bangladeshi director Rubaiyat Hossain finished shoot for her new film "The Difficult Bride". Like, 20 years in the making and it's a feminist supernatural drama about a bride who's all resistant to traditional wedding stuffs 
. Can't wait to see how it turns out! 
, including some National Film Award winners 
. Can't wait to see what Hossain does next!