Bioskope Films hosted a promotional gathering for journalists and community members on June 25 at Shanai Restaurant in Jackson Heights, New York, ahead of the North American release of Roid (the sunlight). The film marks Bioskope Films’ 55th international distribution and is the latest feature by acclaimed Bangladeshi director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon.
Roid has already attracted significant attention both in Bangladesh and internationally, further establishing Sumon as one of the country’s leading contemporary filmmakers. Director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon is best known for Hawa, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated films in recent years. Roid, his latest feature, continues his exploration of uniquely Bangladeshi stories with a cinematic style that has earned growing international recognition.
The film is being distributed internationally by Bioskope Films with the goal of reaching the Bangladeshi diaspora and broader global audiences. Speaking at the event, Raj Hameed of Bioskope Films described Roid as a milestone for Bangladeshi cinema.
“This film represents a new era for Bangla cinema through its strong storytelling and technological excellence. To compete in the international market, filmmakers must maintain high standards in content, picture quality, color grading, and sound design. Audiences in the diaspora are demanding world-class productions, and we have successfully built a market for Bangladeshi films across North America and Canada,” he said.
Following its North American premiere, Roid will be screened in approximately 50 cities across the United States and Canada, with additional releases planned in Australia and New Zealand.
The film premiered on June 26, 2026, at Kew Gardens Cinema in New York, where the theater was filled to capacity. The premiere received an enthusiastic response, earning widespread praise and generating excitement among members of the Bangladeshi diaspora. Acclaimed Bangladeshi actress Bipasha Hayat praised the film following the screening.
“Roid is a deeply thoughtful film that showcases exceptional filmmaking. It is beautifully crafted, intellectually engaging, and thought-provoking. The film reflects a remarkable blend of artistic expression and philosophical depth,” she said.
Internationally, Roid has also gained recognition on the festival circuit. The film was selected for the Tiger Competition at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in the Netherlands and was also screened at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) in the United States.
Critics have praised the film for its mythic rural narrative, exploring themes of longing, desire, and cultural memory. The performances of Mostafizur Noor Imran and Nazifa Tushi have received particular acclaim.
As Bioskope Films expands the global reach of Bangladeshi cinema, the international release of Roid represents another important step in introducing high-quality Bangladeshi filmmaking to audiences around the world.
