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 (2025) 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 YearTitleRoleNotes2002Sand and WaterDirector2005Die glücklichsten Menschen der WeltDirector2007IroneatersDirectorAlso known as Eisenfresser2009KorankinderDirector, WriterExplores the rigorous lives of children in Islamic boarding schools.2011-2012Fremde KinderDirector, WriterTV Series, 2 episodes2012Schulter an SchulterDirectorTV Movie2015FernglückDirector2018Die Bambusflößer von BangladeschDirectorTV Mini Series2019Bamboo StoriesDirector, WriterExamines the daily struggles and camaraderie of bamboo loggers.2020Länder - Menschen - AbenteuerDirector, WriterTV Series, 2 episodes2022Die Chauras von Bangladesch: Leben zwischen Fluch und SegenDirector, WriterTV Movie
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.
References
External links
Shaheen Dill-Riaz at Script Revolution