by FIlmInk Staff
Melbourne-based Screenxcope, in partnership with DeshiEvents, has acquired the Australian and New Zealand rights to “Roid,” marking the latest addition to its growing distribution slate.
The film premiered in the Tiger Competition at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam, becoming the first Bangladeshi feature selected for the festival’s main competition, and was also selected for the Seattle International Film Festival. Roid is directed by Mejbaur Rahman Sumon and marks his sophomore feature following his 2022 breakout Hawa, Bangladesh’s Academy Award submission and the first Bangladeshi film to chart at the U.S. box office.
Produced by Bongo in association with Facecard Production, and executive produced by Apoorva Bakshi of Awedacious Originals, Roid is set in the Bangladeshi countryside in a pre-digital era shaped by rural hierarchy and tradition.
The film follows Sadu, a poor tenant farmer living in near isolation with his emotionally volatile wife, who is viewed by villagers as unstable. After repeatedly attempting to abandon her in distant locations, Sadu finds her mysteriously returning each time, gradually transforming the story from rural drama into a broader allegory about desire, attachment, and fate. Inspired by stories director Mejbaur Rahman Sumon heard from his family, the film combines natural landscapes and cyclical storytelling with themes rooted in folklore, spirituality, and human instinct.
Screenxcope has previously distributed acclaimed international titles, including Cannes and Venice selections such as Tiger Stripes and Pooja, Sir, reinforcing its focus on globally recognised independent cinema. Screenxcope and DeshiEvents are planning a theatrical rollout in early June across Australia and New Zealand.
“Roid is a deeply universal film that cuts across cultures and geographies. There is something deeply human and instinctive in the film that stays with us and strongly aligns with the kind of work we seek to champion on our slate,” said Sakib Iftekhar, Founder and Director of Screenxcope.
Sayed Faiz, CEO of DeshiEvents, added: “Roid brings together strong artistic intent and audience resonance across both diaspora and wider markets, and we’re excited to bring this film to theatres across Australia and New Zealand.”
Further details on release plans, dates, and rollout strategy will be announced in the coming weeks on Screenxcope and DeshiEvents’ official platforms.
