Filmmaker Ajijul Hasan Surzo: Building a Global Production Powerhouse and a Launchpad for Future Filmmakers with Craft Films LA

Los Angeles, CA – Director-producer Ajijul Hasan Surzo, known professionally as Surzo, is significantly expanding his Hollywood footprint with his production banner Craft Films LA, which he co-founded with Maria Salinger. Surzo is not only advancing an ambitious slate of international features through the company but is also spearheading a global initiative aimed at accelerating emerging filmmaking talent.

Current Major Projects at Craft Films LA

At the forefront of Craft Films LA’s current production lineup, driven by Surzo's vision, are two significant international co-productions. Surzo, with Salinger, is producing Call from the 80’s, a German-language feature poised to explore new frontiers in realistic AI filmmaking. The project, which has secured notable backing from US and German government funding (DFFF), is based on a true story of two sisters whose lives are transformed by the events surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall. The film delves into personal love stories set against a backdrop of revolutionary change, reflecting the shared artistic vision of Surzo and Salinger. Also in development under Surzo's oversight at the company is Fields of Freedom, an $8-10 million budgeted feature addressing the critical social issue of human trafficking across seven countries, underscoring Surzo's profound commitment to impactful global storytelling.

Early Life and Beginnings in Bangladesh

His story truly began around 2015 in Bangladesh, where a burgeoning love for cinema clashed with his conservative family background. His father Md Azad Hossain disapproved, but his mother, Mst Shirina Shabnam Jharna, became his rock and sole sponsor, a profound act of faith that fueled Surzo’s determination.

Film Education and Early Career in India

Seeking formal training, Surzo moved to Kolkata, India – the city of Satyajit Ray. At iLEAD Kolkata (affiliated with West Bengal University of Technology), he immersed himself in filmmaking while gaining crucial early industry experience. His own early directorial efforts quickly revealed a passion for social commentary that continues to drive his work: The Auxiliary Verb and Manabi tackled pressing issues, while Zihad confronted the misuse of religion for extremism. His cinematography on D, exploring India's complex NRC movement, also gained attention.

Early Recognition and Accolades

Recognition followed early. The Auxiliary Verb had its first major exhibition at the National Museum Bangladesh after being selected for the government of Bangladesh-sponsored Children's Film Festival Dhaka in 2017. Both The Auxiliary Verb and Manabi were later selected for the Dadashaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) in 2019, exhibiting at the N-Convention in Hyderabad, Telangana. Zihad won Best Film at his university's Ilead-O-Scope festival. Crucially, D, showcasing Surzo's cinematography, earned a spot at the prestigious, West Bengal government-organized Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), screening at the renowned Rabindra Sadan. Back in Dhaka, he proved his versatility, editing commercially successful TV shows that garnered millions of views through broadcasting in major TV channels and major youtube platforms.

Transition to Hollywood and US Success

But Surzo's ambitions were global. A scholarship brought him to the United States, where he focused on mastering the Hollywood toolkit, earning advanced certificates in Cinematography and Cinema Production, alongside certifications from Avid and Panavision. His US short film, Emily's Nightout, quickly found traction, earning selection at Los Angeles Indie Short Fest and screening at the exclusive Soho House West Hollywood.

Founding Craft Films LA and Partnership with Maria Salinger

With a foothold established, Surzo founded Craft Films LA, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit. He invited college friend Maria Salinger to join as co-founder, forging a dynamic partnership. Their collaboration on the German-language concept film Bubbles, directed by Maria Salinger with Surzo in a key production role, proved fruitful, initially gaining recognition from Indie Short Fest and subsequently garnering further international acclaim. Accolades for Bubbles include Best Comedy at the Mannheim Arts and Film Festival (2025), Best Feature at the Golden Nugget International Film Festival (2024), Winner at the Albori Soulplace Film Festival (2024), and Official Selections at prestigious events like the Toronto International Women Film Festival (2024), Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (2025), and the Swiss Alpenglow Gala by European Film Union (2024), among many others, showcasing Maria Salinger's directorial talent within the Craft Films LA framework. Craft Films LA also carved a niche in high-end commercial work, emphasizing cutting-edge tech like robotic camera systems. As one of the notable Bangladeshi film directors working in Hollywood, his unique journey began attracting attention, leading to features in major publications in both the US and Bangladesh.

Focus on Ambitious International Productions

Now, Surzo and Maria Salinger are focused on their most ambitious Craft Films LA projects yet. Call from the 80’s, under their joint leadership, pushes boundaries with its blend of historical depth and technological innovation. Fields of Freedom tells a vital story of resilience and empowerment, highlighting Surzo's ongoing commitment to using film to address critical global social issues. To navigate these large-scale international productions, Surzo leverages his memberships in influential organizations like the Television Academy and Film Independent, accessing crucial resources and networks.

Accelerating Talent, Advancing the Industry: An innovative Global Vision

Beyond the company’s film slate, Craft Films LA, under the primary leadership of Surzo with co-founder Salinger, is launching an innovative global platform designed to nurture new filmmakers. This initiative, a brainchild of Surzo’s commitment to a "pay it forward" philosophy, stems from his own experiences with the protracted, often decade-and-a-half, period required to build a viable portfolio and professional network—a timeline he views as a bottleneck for the industry. The program aims to shorten this incubation phase by providing structured opportunities and resources, thereby fast-tracking talent development. This model anticipates bringing a quicker infusion of diverse perspectives to the industry, reducing talent attrition, and fostering the earlier emergence of skilled creators. A press release detailing Craft Films LA's innovative approach to talent development and global production was recently distributed nationwide, garnering attention from national and local major news publications. The planned 2026 launch of Craft Films Germany will serve as the cornerstone for this international network envisioned by Surzo.

Community Involvement and Future Vision

Beyond filmmaking, Surzo's dedication extends to the community. He is an active member of the American Red Cross and made sure to contribute locally by volunteering during recent Los Angeles fire emergencies in 2025. This commitment mirrors the "pay it forward" vision for Craft Films LA – to build a global platform (starting with Craft Films Germany next year) nurturing new talent, driven by his own early struggles and a desire to make a positive impact. His focus on social issues permeates not just his films, but his actions.

Conclusion: A Global Voice in Cinema

From his beginnings in Dhaka to his current dynamic role in Hollywood, Ajijul Hasan Surzo is forging an extraordinary path. As a prominent Bangladeshi film director, producer, and entrepreneur, he masterfully blends artistry, technical skill, and a deep-seated commitment to social justice. With ambitious projects moving forward with Maria Salinger through Craft Films LA and his visionary plan for empowering new talent gaining traction, Surzo continues to emerge as a compelling and unique voice shaping the future of global cinema.