A scene from “Ghetu Putra Kamola”.

Bangladesh has nominated “Ghetu Putra Kamola” to compete at the Oscars in the 'Best Foreign Language Film' category. Directed by the late writer-filmmaker Humayun Ahmed, the movie has been selected by the Oscar Bangladesh Committee to compete at the 85th Annual Academy Awards.
Oscar Bangladesh Committee Chairman Habibur Rahman Khan announced the nomination at a press conference held on September 18 at a hotel in Dhaka. Other members of the committee -- Mohommod Hannan, Abdul Latif Bachchu, Abu Musa Debu, Abdus Selim, Rokeya Prachi and Golam Rabbani Biplob -- were present at the press conference.
“I am elated. Before flying to the US, Humayun Ahmed told me if Bangladesh selects this movie for the Oscars, it would be an absolute dream come true,” said Faridur Reza Sagar, managing director of Impress Telefilm Limited which produced the movie.
The story of “Ghetu Putro Kamola” dates back almost 150 years ago, when a musical trend swept through the haor area of Habiganj. Ghetu songs were known for their traditional tunes, but what set them apart was the accompanying dance by the performers -- adolescent boys dressed as girls. The dance of these young performers was responsible for Ghetu songs' sexual overtones. This perversion in the name of music is no more. With it, a rather strange ritual is now lost.
This year another movie, “Bhul”, directed by Raju Ahmed, was also submitted for the selection round in the country but “Ghetu Putra Kamola” got the ticket.
Earlier in 2002, “Matir Moina”, a movie directed by the late Tareque Masud and Catherine Masud, participated at the Oscars. Produced by Impress Tele-film Limited, six films -- “Shyamol Chhaya”, “Nirontor”, “Swapnodanaye”, “Aha!”, “Britter Bairey” and “Third Person Singular Number” -- have so far vied for the Oscar in the 'Best Foreign Language Film' category.