Swedish-Bangladeshi Filmmaker Shawana Releases Short Film "The Road to My Father" on International Fathers Day

On June 21, 2026, the day the world commemorates fathers, Swedish‑Bangladeshi director Shawana premiered her short film The Road to My Father on the Humbleverse YouTube channel. The timing aligns the film’s exploration of memory and paternal bonds with a holiday that invites reflection.

Shawana, born in Sweden to Bangladeshi parents, has earned a reputation for intimate storytelling that probes identity, belonging, and relationships. In a press statement she explained, “The Road to My Father is a journey that began long before the camera started rolling. Through this film, I wanted to revisit memories and ask questions I had carried for years. Releasing the film on Father’s Day makes the moment even more meaningful. I hope that after watching the film, some viewers will be reminded of their fathers, some may sit down to watch it with them, and others may find a part of themselves in the journey.”

The short has already attracted international attention. It was a finalist at the Sweden Film Awards 2026 and earned an Honorable Mention at the Stockholm City Film Festival 2026. In addition, the film was officially selected for a broad array of festivals worldwide, including A Taste of Theatre (USA), the International Film Festival of South Asia Toronto, the Dhaka International Film Festival, the International Kolkata Short Film Festival, the Kerala Short Film Festival, the Goa Short Film Festival, the Himachal Short Film Festival, the West Bengal Short Film Festival, the Soundscreen Film Festival in Ravenna, Italy, and Short Shot Fest.

Shawana served as both director and editor, while cinematography was provided by Tariqul Shuvo, sound by Rajesh Saha, music by Avishek Bhattacharjee, and colour grading by Snigdho Shariar. Line production was overseen by Asibur Rahman Moon, and associate producers Nahid Hasan, Partho Paulinews and Folia supported the project. Shawana also held the roles of executive producer and producer.

Earlier in 2026, Shawana released the web film Mystery in Bloom on the streaming platform Bongo during the Valentine’s season. Both projects continue her focus on personal narratives that resonate across cultures.

The film is freely available on the Humbleverse YouTube channel, the independent production house run by Shawana. Viewers can stream the short at any time, giving the piece a global reach that bypasses traditional theatrical distribution.

The Road to My Father exemplifies how independent filmmakers can combine festival exposure with the wide accessibility of digital platforms. Its festival circuit and online release demonstrate that a short film can maintain artistic integrity while reaching diverse audiences.

Releasing the film on Father’s Day was a deliberate choice that matches its themes with a widely celebrated holiday. By launching on a day that encourages reflection on paternal relationships, Shawana positions the short as a companion piece for viewers who may want to watch it with their own fathers or contemplate their personal histories.

The film’s international festival selections—from Canada to Russia, Italy to India—highlight its cross‑cultural appeal. Its exploration of memory and identity resonates with audiences in varied contexts, underscoring the universality of the story.

Shawana’s continued work on personal storytelling, coupled with her ability to secure festival selections and online distribution, suggests she will remain a notable voice in the independent film community. The release of The Road to My Father on Humbleverse’s YouTube channel provides an accessible platform for audiences worldwide to engage with her work.

The short film is now available for streaming on the Humbleverse YouTube channel, and no further releases or distribution plans have been announced at this time.