As a cinematographer, I thrive on the constant challenge of capturing stories across the globe. Each new project presents a unique landscape, culture, and set of logistical hurdles to overcome. "Belief," a short drama we shot in rural Bangladesh, perfectly embodies this adventurous spirit. The film, shot in a remote village in rural Bangladesh, delves into the complex emotions surrounding a young boy's coming-of-age ceremony. It was a passion project for Masud, our Swedish-Bengali director with deep personal ties to the region. This personal connection, combined with the film's sensitive subject matter, made it important for us all to capture the story with both authenticity and respect.
You can watch the full short film "Belief" here for free.
Our journey was actually a completely different project as we were in Bangladesh to shoot for a full-length documentary "Bangla Dreams". We took a day off in the busy schedule and began with a day trip to the village, the first time Westerners had ever set foot there, we were told. Reaching this secluded community by boat, we were immediately met with the warmth and hospitality of the rice-farming families. Masud, sound recordist Lars Jameson, and I spent the day scouting locations and casting local talent. Early rise next morning was essential to capture the ethereal beauty of the seasonal fog blanketing the bamboo forest, adding a layer of symbolism to the story.
Behind the scenes stills from "Belief"
Filming took place over one day, with the morning and afternoon dedicated to capturing the narrative. Working with the locals allowed us to navigate the cultural nuances and incorporate them seamlessly into the film. The experience was enriching on both professional and personal levels, forging connections that transcended language and cultural barriers. As usual, time and budget was scarce but the joy of doing a small project like this is always fulfilling.
From the film s"Belief"
"Belief" went on to win several awards at international short film festivals such as Indie Shorts Awards Cannes, Venezia Shorts Italy and Amsterdam International Awards, including Best Film, best Sound Design and best Cinematography! Always fun with awards but foremost a testament to the collective effort of the small team, as well as a rewarding validation of the unique approach we took to capturing this deeply personal story.
While "Belief" itself isn't solely a testament to my individual abilities, it does represent the kind of projects I actively seek. It's a reminder that the essence of good filmmaking lies not just in technical proficiency, but in the human connection, the willingness to embrace the unknown, and the ability to tell stories that resonate across borders and cultures.
For directors and producers seeking a seasoned cinematographer with experience in both fiction and documentary filmmaking, as well as diverse cultural settings, I welcome the opportunity to collaborate on projects that push boundaries and explore new narratives. Let´s connect for your next project!
The dedicated team behind "Belief" included:
Stars: Safayet Moral, Khoka Morol, Khairat Hassnain
Director & Writer: Masud Akhond
Cinematographer & Producer: Nicklas Karpaty, FSF (myself)
Sound: Lars Jameson
Sound Design: Patrik Strömdahl & Martin Mighetto
Composer: Sveinung Nygaard
Editor: Nicklas Estberg
Colorist: Sebastian Guest
You can watch the full short film "Belief" (top) for free.
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Keywords: Cinematographer, Short Film, Cultural Exploration, Behind the Scenes, Film Production, Storytelling, Collaboration