My Story

Adnan Soykot is a filmmaker and film student who began his journey in 2016 from Bhola, Bangladesh, driven by a passion for storytelling. Since then, he has explored diverse roles across fiction, documentary, and visual communication, blending academic training at Jagannath University’s Department of Film and Television with professional collaborations on national and international projects. From leading the Jagannath University Film Society to creating award-recognized documentaries and working with government and cultural organizations, his work reflects a commitment to both creative excellence and meaningful narratives.

Early Life and Education

Adnan Soykot was born and raised on Bhola, an island in southern Bangladesh known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. He completed his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) from Charfassion Government T.B. High School and later earned his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) from Charfassion Government College, with a background in science.  Growing up surrounded by the island’s unique landscapes and stories, Adnan developed an early fascination with storytelling and visual expression. Although at the time, he had little access or opportunity to explore it fully.

Where the Story Began

His creative journey began in 2016, during his college years, when he started making short video content from sarcastic skits to micro-narratives using whatever tools were available. Facing challenges like poor internet, lack of equipment, and limited exposure in a rural setting, Adnan still pursued originality in every experiment. In 2018, he participated in a nationwide storytelling competition titled “Amar Zela, Amar Ohongkar” (My District, My Pride) organized by the ICT Division of the Government of Bangladesh. For the contest, he directed a short documentary about Bhola and won first prize. That small but significant recognition became a turning point, shifting his passion toward the world of cinema and visual storytelling.

Journey at Jagannath University

His journey in professional filmmaking began when he enrolled in the Department of Film and Television at Jagannath University, Dhaka in 2020. As a dedicated student, he immersed himself in the study of all aspects of cinema from directing and editing to costume design, art direction, and sound. His academic pursuit has provided a strong foundation in both the theory and practice of filmmaking. Throughout his time at JNU, Adnan developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, especially inspired by the legacy of early Indian parallel cinema and the timeless works of 'Satyajit Ray'. Ray’s unique blend of visual poetry, social realism, and artistic integrity continues to influence Adnan's creative choices. His commitment to learning and creative experimentation shaped his growth as a versatile filmmaker eager to explore new narratives. 

Founding Khirki Films

Alongside his academic and organizational endeavors, Adnan founded Khirki Films in 2021 with a vision to create a bold, independent production platform dedicated to telling meaningful stories rooted in local culture but crafted with a global cinematic language. What began as a self-driven initiative during his early university years has now evolved into a registered production house with a small but growing team, a dedicated studio space, and a rising portfolio of impactful works.

Under his leadership as Founder & Director, Khirki Films focuses on both fiction and non-fiction storytelling, producing short films, documentaries, original video commercials (OVCs), and music videos. The company also engages in creative development, pitching, and post-production, allowing Adnan and his team to maintain full creative control and high production standards.

Under the banner of Khirki Films, Adnan Soykot has led several acclaimed and diverse projects. His debut short film Puroskar (2022), inspired by a story from Satyajit Ray, was screened at various international film festivals and won multiple awards including Best Film at the One Leaf Film Festival in Kolkata and the Jury Special Award at Mon Premier Film Festival in Paris. He directed Aladiner Prodeepe Jevabe Doitya Elo (2024), a full-length fantasy drama produced by Bongo Originals, which received praise for its imaginative storytelling and production design. Adnan also served as executive producer on the upcoming creative documentary The Last Leaf, which received the Research & Development Grant in EYFT 2024 at the 12th Dhaka DocFest. In addition, through Khirki Films, Adnan has directed a range of music videos and original video commercials (OVCs) for social campaigns and cultural initiatives, blending cinematic aesthetics with purpose-driven messaging.

Joining Freekerz Communications

In 2021, Adnan Soykot began a new chapter in his creative journey by joining Freekerz Communications as a Communications Manager, starting with the promotion of the myth-inspired period film Chandrabati Kotha. His role quickly expanded as he contributed to the campaigns of two more critically acclaimed films — Lal Moroger Jhuti, centered on the Liberation War, and Shimu – Made in Bangladesh, a globally recognized film focused on women's rights and garment workers' struggles. With each project, Adnan sharpened his skills in visual strategy, campaign design, and audience engagement. By 2025, he returned to Freekerz in a leading role as Group Creative Head for the high-profile commercial film Borbaad, where he oversaw the full creative vision for its nationwide promotional campaign.

Leadership in Jagannath University Film Society (JNUFS) 

Beyond his academic pursuits, Adnan Soykot has played a vital role in cultivating film culture on campus through his involvement with the Jagannath University Film Society (JNUFS); a non-profit, student-run organization devoted to nurturing young voices in cinema.

Adnan’s journey with JNUFS began in 2020 when he joined as a general member. His dedication and creative contributions quickly earned him a place as a key member in 2021, and by 2022, he was serving as an executive member. In 2023, he took on the role of Publication and Publicity Secretary, during which he successfully edited and published the first 'Cineframe', the official magazine of JNUFS a curated reflection of the society's cinematic vision.

In 2024, Adnan was elected President of JNUFS, where he led a series of impactful initiatives. These included organizing Amader Cinema, the society’s flagship screening event that annually showcases the most critically and commercially acclaimed Bangladeshi films. He also spearheaded the first-ever JNUFF 2025 – Jagannath University National Film Festival, a landmark event that brought together student filmmakers from across the country for screenings, workshops, and panel discussions.

Under his leadership, JNUFS also expanded its educational activities by hosting seminars, film appreciation courses, and collaborative events, solidifying its presence as a key platform for young filmmakers and cinema lovers at Jagannath University and beyond.

Festival Engagement & Volunteering

In addition to his academic and creative work, Adnan Soykot has actively contributed to a wide range of film festivals and social initiatives in Bangladesh. These experiences have allowed him to engage closely with the national film circuit and humanitarian causes.

Selected Roles:

Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) -  Former Volunteer & Projectionist (2021 - 2023) 

Liberation DocFest Bangladesh - Former Volunteer & Youth Jury Member (2021–2022) 

Dhaka DocLab - Former Volunteer & Projectionist (2022–2023) 

Bangladesh International Short and Independent Film Festival (BISFF) - Former Projectionist & Volunteer (2022) 

Jagannath University Film Club - Former Public Relations Secretary (2022–2023)

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) - Former Co-Volunteer (2022) 

Bangladesh Human Helping Society (BHHS) - Central Office Secretary (2021–2023) 

Awards and Milestones