A filmmaking venture · Dhaka → Los Angeles

Learn.
Collaborate.
Create.

Direction for Camera is a next-generation venture empowering Bangladeshi filmmakers & actors through training, networking, and global opportunities — every program free for members.

Enter the Film Challenge → Become a Member
01Labs & Workshops→ 02The DFC Podcast→ 03Film Challenge→ 04Creative Community→ 05Blogs & Newsletters→ +Free Membership→

Who we are

Dedicated to championing underrepresented Bangladeshi storytellers — with the resources, mentorship, and network to create work that challenges perspectives.

Our story →
0%Free for members
0 hrsShoot → deliver
0 minMax film runtime
0Core initiatives

Initiatives

Check the chart.
Find your path.

01Labs & Workshops

Practical, hands-on learning with industry leaders — safer sets, better collaborations, and successful creative projects.

By involving vendors and working professionals, our labs foster long-term partnerships that support sustainable careers in filmmaking.

  • Camera, lighting & grip craft
  • Directing actors for camera
  • Set safety & workflows
Hands-on camera workshop

Our story

Every storyteller deserves a way in.

/01

The founding belief

Born from filmmakers and creatives in Bangladesh and Los Angeles — every storyteller deserves the tools, opportunities, and community to share their vision, without financial barriers.

/02

Grassroots beginnings

DFC began as a small initiative running local workshops and grassroots film challenges, giving emerging filmmakers creative training and international exposure.

/03

A global platform

From early challenges to livestreamed workshops, mentorship programs, and global collaborations — every program, lab, and event remains completely free of cost for members.

/04

Today — Dhaka × Los Angeles

DFC stands as a bridge between Bangladesh and the film industry, empowering the next generation of directors, actors, cinematographers, and storytellers to create work that inspires and connects.

Flagship program

Film crew shooting at night during the DFC challenge
Quarterly · Free to enter

The 72-hour film challenge

Shoot, edit, and deliver an original short film in 72 hours. Free and open to all — this is not just a competition. It's a pathway, a dream, a revolution in cinema.

Register, receive the official brief on challenge day, then shoot, color, and edit inside the window. Submit via FilmFreeway before the deadline.

Read the handbook →

How it works

01

Register

Sign up free and join the challenge email list. Find collaborators on the shared spreadsheet — no team required to start.

02

Get the brief

On challenge day you receive the official brief with rules and creative constraints. Scripts may be developed beforehand; the 72 hours are for shooting, coloring, and editing.

03

Shoot & edit

All footage must be shot within the 72-hour window. Capture behind-the-scenes photos and video — the community loves your process.

04

Submit

Deliver via FilmFreeway before the deadline — HD, MOV or MP4, under 7 minutes including credits, partner logos in the end credits.

05

Judging

A panel of industry professionals, filmmakers, and community leaders evaluates every film across two weeks: originality, direction, writing, cinematography, performances, production value, editing.

06

Awards showcase

Winners announced three weeks after the deadline, featured on DFC's channels, with winner write-ups published on the site. Prizes shipped worldwide.

Award categories

Best overall film

Pinnacle Award

Recognizes the best overall film submission of the quarter.

Actor-led project

Spotlight Award

Given to an outstanding actor-led project.

First-time filmmaker

Breakthrough Award

Honors the best film from a first-time director, writer, or producer.

The rules, at a glance

R/01Free to enter — open to all
R/02Runtime under 7 minutes incl. credits
R/03Shot & edited within 72 hours
R/04HD · MOV or MP4
R/05Original work — you hold all rights
R/06Brief elements included
R/07Partner logos in end credits
R/08Submitted via FilmFreeway
Register your interest → Download handbook (PDF)

Membership

Every program.
Every lab. Every event.
Free.

Creativity should never be limited by financial barriers. All DFC training programs, labs, and events are free of cost for members.

Become a member →
DFC creative community on set
M/01Creative development — directing, cinematography, acting, producing
M/02Global access — mentorship across Dhaka & Los Angeles
M/03Industry support — sets, safety, workflows, vendor partners
M/04Growth opportunities — challenges, showcases, collaborations
M/05Member perks — priority access & member-only resources
M/06Film family — workshops, screenings, feedback circles

Founder

Mahadi Shawon — founder of Direction for Camera
"DFC was founded to empower underrepresented Bangladeshi filmmakers through mentorship, training, and international industry connections."

Mahadi ShawonFounder · Filmmaker, Producer, Cinematographer

Founder of S2S Productions LA LLC — directing and producing independent films, TV dramas, documentaries, and commercials — created Direction for Camera to open the doors he once had to push through himself.

An initiative of S2S Productions LA LLC

Community

The community in frames.

Cinema camera against the night skyline
Workshop in session
Night shoot
See the community →
Filmmakers together
DFC logo

Every opportunity,
in your inbox.

Challenge announcements, lab dates, podcast drops, and member stories. No spam — just the craft.

Contact

Start your DFC journey.

HQ432 N Ardmore Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90004, USA
Phone+1 (213) 682-4480
Emails2sfilmla@gmail.com
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