| Shaheen Dill-Riaz | |
| Native Name: | শাহীন দিল-রিয়াজ |
| Birth Date: | 12 February 1969 |
| Birth Place: | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Nationality: | Bangladeshi-German |
| Alma Mater: | Freie Universität Berlin, Filmuniversity Babelsberg Konrad Wolf |
| Occupation: | Filmmaker, Director, Producer, Writer |
| Years Active: | 2002–present |
| Notable Works: | Ironeaters, Korankinder, Bamboo Stories |
| Awards: | Grimme Award |
| Website: | dill-riaz.com |
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.[1] His works focus on human stories and social issues, often highlighting marginalized communities and underreported struggles.[2]
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.[3] [4]
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.[5] His documentaries often depict the socio-economic challenges in Bangladesh, drawing international attention.[6] Dividing his time between Bangladesh and Germany, Shaheen Dill-Riaz remains committed to creating socially conscious documentaries that emphasize humanity and resilience.[7]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Sand and Water | Director | ||
| 2005 | Die glücklichsten Menschen der Welt | Director | ||
| 2007 | Ironeaters | Director | Also known as Eisenfresser[8] | |
| 2009 | Korankinder | Director, Writer | Explores the rigorous lives of children in Islamic boarding schools.[9] | |
| 2011-2012 | Fremde Kinder | Director, Writer | TV Series, 2 episodes | |
| 2012 | Schulter an Schulter | Director | TV Movie | |
| 2015 | Fernglück | Director | ||
| 2018 | Die Bambusflößer von Bangladesch | Director | TV Mini Series | |
| 2019 | Bamboo Stories | Director, Writer | Examines the daily struggles and camaraderie of bamboo loggers.[10] | |
| 2020 | Länder - Menschen - Abenteuer | Director, Writer | TV Series, 2 episodes | |
| 2022 | Die Chauras von Bangladesch: Leben zwischen Fluch und Segen | Director, Writer | TV Movie |
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.[11]