Nafees Bin Zafar: Filmmakers should focus more on quality of movies than on profits

Bangladesh-born US citizen Nafees Bin Zafar said filmmakers in Bangladesh should focus more on the quality of movies than on profits. “You can think about business once you are done with producing a movie. The profits you will earn by selling tickets for a quality movie will suffice to provide adequate funding for the next one,” he said during an interview with the Bangla Tribune. The noted software engineer recently paid a visit to Bangladesh to attend the Digital World 2017 expo in Dhaka. Nafees said he likes watching international movies as they narrate their own stories. But, as for Bangladeshi movies, he said he is yet to gain a clear understanding of them. And therefore, he refrained from making an outright comment in this regard. However, the first Bangladeshi Oscar winner did not forget to admire local filmmakers. “They are moving forward smoothly with their works,” Nafees says. “But, one thing I always want mention is that it is next to impossible to make a quality film if one remains engrossed only in selling tickets, even before making the film.” Filmmakers need to focus more on the quality of their movies than on profits, he stressed. He also suggested young filmmakers make the best use of internet to better understand global film perspectives. In response to a question as to whether he could help bring about a qualitative change in the country’s film industry, the 39-year old said: “The fact is that I don’t know very much about Bangladesh’s film industry. I don’t know who will be my clients here. Given the issues, I may not able to make a significant contribution in this regard, even if I try.” As for aspiring animators in Bangladesh, he suggested having patience and a strong desire and being dedicated to their work. “If you really want to build a career in this sector, then start working in theatres and dramas. Foremost, you should write a short story and then try making a short film out of this. You may also work as apprentice with TV channels.” Nafees won the Academy Award in the Scientific and Technical category in 2008 for his contributions to pioneering digital fluid effects that are now used throughout the visual effect industry.