Raka Noshin Nower didn’t pursue a filmmaking career through traditional education but rather learned through observation. Despite being an engineering student with no prior ties to the film industry, she kickstarted her journey at Applebox Films, where she spent close to ten years exploring various roles. Initially assisting in casting, she gradually delved into editing and ventured into creating unconventional short films and travel videos, honing her skills independently.
Her decade at Applebox Films served as her personal film school, shaping her into a disciplined and creative individual. This period not only provided her with a solid foundation but also instilled in her the confidence to envision a future beyond conventional employment. Establishing Studio Yellow Something Limited as a solo endeavor, Nower aimed to create a space not limited to production but a nurturing environment for creativity across diverse disciplines.
Embracing a broad definition of creativity beyond filmmaking, she initiated endeavors like the Phultokka photo exhibition and the “Equanimity Session” educational program, fostering connections between professionals from various fields and young creatives. Nower’s team comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds such as business, architecture, medicine, and NGOs, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.
While expanding into fiction, Nower remains dedicated to advertising, considering commercials a condensed art form that requires precise storytelling. Her approach to storytelling is exemplified in projects like the Grameenphone advertisement, narrated from a dog’s perspective, reflecting her personal attachment to animal welfare. Her transition into longer storytelling formats with telefiction projects like Aar Theko Na Dure and a Closeup-backed venture signifies her evolving creative pursuits.
Though not overtly activist, Nower acknowledges the scarcity of women’s representation in the industry and the importance of diverse perspectives in storytelling. Emphasizing the need for varied viewpoints, she aims to tell stories from a woman’s lens, irrespective of the character’s gender. Her participation in international film workshops and producing fellowships underscores her commitment to learning and empowering emerging filmmakers, especially those facing challenges in trust, funding, and production.
Despite facing rejection in her career, Nower’s resilience and determination have propelled her forward, resulting in successful projects like Mangsho Kom, which received a government grant for its bold narrative addressing societal taboos. As she navigates through different storytelling realms, she continues to focus on building her skills and resources to support a range of creative endeavors without waiting for external validation.
Nower’s unwavering passion for storytelling, commitment to inclusivity, and drive for continual growth position her as a rising force in the filmmaking landscape, poised to make a lasting impact through her diverse and empowering narratives.