Shaheen Dill-Riaz

Shaheen Dill-Riaz (Bengali: শাহীন দিল-রিয়াজ, born February 12, 1969, in Dhaka, Bangladesh) is a Bangladeshi-German documentary filmmaker, director, producer, and writer based in Berlin. His works focus on human stories and social issues, often highlighting marginalized communities and underreported struggles. His personal life driven documentary film Past is Present is selected in the Harbour section at International Film Festival Rotterdam 2025.

Early life and education Shaheen Dill-Riaz was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Before embarking on a filmmaking career, he worked as a film critic and co-organized the International Short Film Festival in Dhaka. In 1992, he received a scholarship and relocated to Berlin, where he pursued Art History at the Freie Universität Berlin and cinematography at the Filmuniversity Babelsberg Konrad Wolf.

Career Dill-Riaz's filmmaking journey began in Dhaka, where he contributed to short film productions. His graduation project, Sand and Water (2002), garnered critical acclaim, laying the foundation for his career as a documentarian. His documentaries often depict the socio-economic challenges in Bangladesh, drawing international attention. Dividing his time between Bangladesh and Germany, Shaheen Dill-Riaz remains committed to creating socially conscious documentaries that emphasize humanity and resilience.

Filmography

Awards and recognition Dill-Riaz earned the Grimme Award for Ironeaters, a testament to his impact in documenting pressing social issues.His work is celebrated for fostering cross-cultural understanding and providing a voice to the voiceless.