Hollywood Dreams, Global Realities: Ajijul Hasan Surzo, a Bangladeshi Filmmaker's Journey

On a buzzing Los Angeles film set, Ajijul Hasan Surzo – known widely as Surzo – orchestrates the complex dance of modern filmmaking. As a prominent Bangladeshi director making his mark in Hollywood, his journey bridges continents and cultures. His company, Craft Films LA, is at the heart of this global vision, prepping ambitious projects that speak volumes.

Current Major Projects at Craft Films LA

Leading the charge are two major productions helmed by Surzo and his Craft Films LA co-founder, Maria Salinger. There's Call from the 80’s, a German-language feature they are producing, aiming to pioneer realistic AI filmmaking backed by significant US and German government funding (DFFF). Based on a true story, the film delves into the lives of two sisters caught up in the historic events surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall, weaving a powerful narrative where personal love stories intersect with revolutionary change. This focus on intimate human experiences within epic historical moments perfectly reflects the shared artistic vision and thinking match between Ajijul Hasan Surzo and Maria Salinger, driving their commitment to the project alongside its technical innovation. Another major project, Fields of Freedom, expected budget $8-10 million dollers, tackles the harrowing social issue of human trafficking across seven countries, showcasing Surzo's commitment to impactful storytelling on a global scale.

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.

Filmmaking 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

Craft Films LA, under the leadership of Ajijul Hasan Surzo and Maria Salinger, is initiating more than just a talent program; it's pioneering a strategic approach designed to invigorate the global film industry. This forward-thinking vision involves establishing an innovative global platform explicitly aimed at nurturing new filmmakers. Drawing from Surzo's own experiences with the often decade-and-a-half long struggle required merely to build a viable portfolio and professional network, this "pay it forward" initiative recognizes this period not just as hardship for the individual, but as a bottleneck for the industry itself.

The program aims to create a supportive ecosystem that significantly shortens this challenging incubation phase. By providing structured opportunities and resources, the platform intends to fast-track talent development. The benefit to the industry is multi-fold: a quicker infusion of diverse perspectives and innovative storytelling, a reduction in talent attrition caused by prolonged difficulty, and the earlier emergence of skilled creators ready to contribute meaningfully. Essentially, by potentially saving filmmakers 15 years of early struggle, this model promises to unlock creative potential much sooner, leading to a more dynamic, varied, and robust global film landscape. The planned 2026 launch of Craft Films Germany serves as the cornerstone for this international network, built to benefit both the aspiring creator and the evolution of cinema worldwide.

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 Dhaka to Hollywood, Ajijul Hasan Surzo's journey is one of extraordinary perseverance. He stands out as a famous Bangladeshi film director thriving in the competitive global arena, blending artistry, technical skill, entrepreneurial drive, and a deep-seated commitment to social justice. As his ambitious projects with Maria Salinger move forward and his vision for empowering others takes shape, Surzo continues to be a compelling, unique voice shaping the future of global cinema.