Shaheen Dill-Riaz

• Name — Shaheen Dill-Riaz • Native Name — শাহীন দিল-রিয়াজ • Born — 12 February 1969 • Birthplace — Dhaka, Bangladesh • Alma Mater — Freie Universität Berlin, Filmuniversity Babelsberg Konrad Wolf • Occupation — Filmmaker, Director, Producer, Writer • Years Active — 2002–present • Notable Works — Ironeaters, Korankinder, Bamboo Stories • Awards — Grimme Award • Website — dill-riaz.com

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.

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.

• Year — Title — Role — Notes • 2002 — Sand and Water — Director • 2005 — Die glücklichsten Menschen der Welt — Director • 2007 — Ironeaters — Director — Also known as Eisenfresser • 2009 — Korankinder — Director, Writer — Explores the rigorous lives of children in Islamic boarding schools. • 2011-2012 — Fremde Kinder — Director, Writer — TV Series, 2 episodes • 2012 — Schulter an Schulter — Director — TV Movie • 2015 — Fernglück — Director • 2018 — Die Bambusflößer von Bangladesch — Director — TV Mini Series • 2019 — Bamboo Stories — Director, Writer — Examines the daily struggles and camaraderie of bamboo loggers. • 2020 — Länder - Menschen - Abenteuer — Director, Writer — TV Series, 2 episodes • 2022 — Die Chauras von Bangladesch: Leben zwischen Fluch und Segen — Director, Writer — TV Movie