Our Team
Mahadi Shawon
Mahadi Shawon is a Bangladeshi filmmaker, cinematographer, and creative producer based in Los Angeles, California, with over a decade of experience in visual storytelling. Born in Magura, Bangladesh, he developed a passion for filmmaking early, despite limited resources, and has since built a career defined by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to independent filmmaking and socially conscious narratives.
Mahadi began his professional journey in Dhaka, working as a Director, producer and associate director on independent films, TV dramas, documentaries, Commercials and web series. He later relocated to Los Angeles to expand his expertise, completing Cinema Production AA, Direction bootcamps with Netflix and Disney and training with Panavision and JL-Fisher. He is a Panavision-certified cinematographer, Avid certified Editor , Davinci Certified Colorist , licensed FAA 107 drone pilot, Hollywood Guild IATSE LOCAL 192 Member with an active membership of the Society of Camera Operators (SOC).
Over his career, Mahadi has taken on multiple creative roles—director, producer, cinematographer, editor, assistant director, and live broadcast technical director—across short films, commercials, feature films, documentaries, and multi-camera live productions. He has collaborated with industry leaders such as Universal Studios Hollywood, Film Independent, Netflix , Disney Studios and DTLA Law Group, where he currently serves as Creative Director.
Mahadi is the founder of Direction for Camera (DFC) and S2S Productions LA LLC, companies dedicated to independent filmmaking and high-quality media production. His directorial work often explores themes of identity, trauma, social justice, Horror and immigrant resilience. He is also a recipient of the Golden Globe Foundation Fellowship, recognizing his exceptional achievements in filmmaking.
Passionate about cultural storytelling and social impact, Mahadi continues to develop projects that bridge global audiences and amplify underrepresented voices. Through his creative work, he aims to foster empathy, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to both the global film industry and the growth of filmmaking in Bangladesh.
Lurihaj Malsi
Lurihaj Malsi is a multifaceted filmmaker and entrepreneur based in Dhaka, currently serving as the Festival Director of the Kuakata International Film Festival and the Owner of Malsi Productions. With a career in storytelling that began in 2010, he has extensive experience directing music videos, fiction dramas, and commercial content. His portfolio includes directing for Sadakalo Films and scripting the short film Borabor Dakhghor, which was awarded by the NSU Cine & Drama Club. Lurihaj holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Government Titumir College and is highly skilled in cinematography and post-production workflows using Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.
Executive Producer Direction for Camera-DFC , S2S Productions
Abdulla Al Mamun
Abdulla Al Mamun is an Executive Producer based in Los Angeles with experience in film and media production, specializing in project management, contract negotiation, and client development. At Craft Films LA, he successfully negotiated service contracts, built client acquisition strategies that increased lead conversion by 30%, and managed production pipelines with diverse creative teams.
With a background in business operations and finance, Abdulla ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and at the highest production value. His ability to coordinate cross-departmental teams, streamline workflows, and foster strong industry relationships makes him a valuable leader in bringing complex productions to life.
Dedicated to bridging creative vision with operational excellence, Abdulla continues to support filmmakers and production companies in developing impactful projects for diverse audiences.
Executive Producer Direction for Camera-DFC & S2S Productions LA LLC
Ajijul Hasan Surzo
Ajijul Hasan Surzo is an award-winning director, cinematographer, and producer with over a hundred credits spanning the U.S., Germany, Bangladesh, and India. Founder and CEO of Craft Films LA, he is celebrated for emotionally resonant storytelling and visual precision. His feature Bubbles (2024) won Best Film at Indie Short Fest, while his cinematography in D screened at the Kolkata International Film Festival. Earlier works like Manabi and The Auxiliary Verb were recognized at the Dadasaheb International Film Festival.
Surzo has directed national campaigns for NBC, FOX, and ABC, with music videos and television projects reaching global audiences. As Co–Joint Secretary of Direction for Camera Initiatives (BD & LA), he fosters international collaboration and next-generation training. A member of the Television Academy, IATSE Local 111, Film Independent, and Filmmakers Alliance, Surzo is emerging as one of the most dynamic and socially conscious filmmakers of his generation.
Executive Producer Direction for Camera-DFC & Craft Films LA
72hr FILM CHALLENGE
The DFC 72hr Film Challenge is exclusively for underrepresented, independent filmmakers of Bangladesh. Participants will have 72 hours to create and submit original films, showcasing their talent to both national and international audiences.