Cannes standing ovation for 'Rehana' was a great honour for Bangladesh: Badhon

"Rehana Maryam Noor", the first-ever Bangladesehi film to feature in the Un Certain Regard section of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, premiered yesterday. The Abdullah Mohammad Saad directorial the received a standing ovation from the audience after the screening. Ecstatic about this experience, the film's lead actor Azmeri Haque Badhon shares her thoughts on a phone call with The Daily Star, from France.

"Rehana Maryam Noor" received a standing ovation at the premiere, how would you describe that feeling?

It was indescribable; I have no words to properly express my feelings about it. We earned their respect, and it is a great achievement for the team. We have a cultural gap and language barrier with the audience, yet they received the film with such warmth and love. The film, each of the characters, the incidents, the story -- everything touched the audience to their very core, and their reaction moved us.

How did you feel when you stepped into the premiere at such a prestigious event?

The feeling I had was somewhat similar to entering an examination hall. This was similar to a tough exam, one I had to pass. I was nervous every time 'Rehana' appeared on screen.

The reaction from the audience is surely a great achievement, not just for me. This was an honour given to our country, given to all of us. The reaction from the premier made me really happy.

The whole team deserves the credit, especially our director, Abdullah Mohammad Saad.

Well-wishers from Bangladesh are joyous about this recognition. What are your thoughts on that?

To describe it in one word, it feels incredible. I am absolutely over the moon with all the good wishes coming from Bangladesh. I request everyone to pray for our team.