OUR STORY

Under the umbrella of EK NIRJHAR COLLABORATIONS – EKNC, 9STEPS Film emerged as a brainchild of Enamul Karim Nirjhar, an architect and filmmaker. This independent film production house initially focused on creating documentaries, which garnered recognition and acclaim during its early days. Notably, films such as THE SHADOW GAP (2003), TINI (The Architect) (2005), and MANUSH KOYTA ASCHE (2006) stood out for their unique craftsmanship.

Enamul Karim Nirjhar’s debut feature film, AHA! (2007), was his first venture as a writer, scriptwriter, and director. The film received critical acclaim and garnered several accolades, including the National Film Award in 2007 for Best Director, as well as recognition for Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Song. AHA! takes the audience on a journey that oscillates between the realms of dreams and the harsh realities of life, seamlessly blending fantasy with the depiction of truth. The film explores themes of love and malice, empathy and apathy. It enjoyed international exposure through screenings at prestigious film festivals in Cairo, Dubai, and Munich. Additionally, AHA! received the National Nomination from Bangladesh for the 81st Academy Awards in the foreign language film category.
Following a significant break, Enamul Karim Nirjhar made a comeback in 2021 with an ambitious undertaking—nine films that delve into the diverse contemporary issues prevalent in our society. With the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh serving as inspiration, Nirjhar embarked on these projects. These nine full-length feature films aim to shed light on the current realities and pressing matters of our society.
Rather than conforming to traditional production norms or relying on patronage, this initiative emphasizes analyzing the existing situation and seeking alternative approaches that prioritize self-respect and integrity. It aims to break free from the confines of compromise and instead focuses on presenting a fresh perspective.
The choice of producing nine films is symbolic, the number 9 representing the nine months of the liberation war and the collective desire for freedom. This initiative is grounded in the belief that filmmakers have a crucial role to play, especially when the audience’s sensibilities are numbed by a constant stream of everyday content. Amidst the abundance of contemporary events and stories, this project aims to stand out and make an impact, challenging the capitalist perspective of solely selling and trading.