Nafis bin Jafar is the first Bangladeshi Oscar winner. By profession he is a software engineer. In 2007 he won Oscar award working in the scientific and technical (academy award) for animation in the film Pirates of the Caribbean: At worlds End.
He is now working as the chief engineer in world famous Special Effects Developer organization. Nafis hailing from Rajbari of Bangladesh recently has come to Bangladesh.
Siam Anowar had a talk with him.
After how many days you have come to Bangladesh?
After four years.
You have won the Oscar for animation. As a Bangladeshi how far you are satisfied?
Yes I have got satisfaction. I feel nice as my countrymen have become very much glad to learn it. However I think that I could do better. More better could have been done.
Your memory as the first Bangladeshi to receive Oscar award…..
There are a lot of memories. I came across many interesting people. This is great. I feel nice remembering all these.
You studied in software engineering. But you are working in film?
In present days film is the best place of work for the software engineer. Software engineers have more opportunities in film. Moreover the conception of art is also available here.
Next the films where you have worked will be released?
I always work in feature animation. This year Tarbe are the Crudes. In 2014 Mister Pibadi and Sharman. In next summer blockbuster movie How to train your Drugs film.
Under whose inspiration you have come so far?
My father gives me inspiration. The rest of my family also. However my inspiration is much.
Your maternal grand father is famous artist Mostaofa Monwar. Did his influence worked in your life?
He is an extra-ordinary artist. His sotory telling style is different. I was brought up observing his works. He used to make puppet. He gave those to me for playing. Beside many of my family members are artists.
For good animation which thing is good you think?
One must be a good artist. This is first quality. in animation it needs about ninety percent contributions of a good artist. It is good if any body can do more special. Becuse what you will do today it will be old tomorrow. It needs ceative skill. This is a life long property.
Two more along with you got the awards in the same category. Are you still working together?
They are Dag Robel and Rio Sagagichi. We all worked in digital fluid effects stimulation system. We three are good friends. However we are now separated.
Have you any idea to set up a film school or like that in Bangladesh?
I am not a businessman. Even I cannot do business. Business is a tough thing.
Any furure planning?
No, I have no such planning. I am working and will carry on. I am thinking how film production can be made more efficient. I want to do well. This much I feel.
In your opinion the what is the position of youths of Bangladesh in the global standard?
I cannot say that. Moreover I have no knowledge about that.
About what affairs you are regularly aware of Bangladesh?
I know about Bangladesh cricket. I watch the play of the Tigers. I also played cricket in my young age. I feel great.
At a glance Nafis bin Jafar:-
Father-Mother: Jafar bin Bashar and Nafisa Jafar
Born: 1977, Dhaka. Paternal house: Kazikanda, Rajbari.
Went to USA: 1989
Student life: Graduation in Software Engineering from College of Charlston.
Oscar award received: Pirates of the Caribean: At Worlds End film for fluid Dynamics work in the technical department.
Work in some notable films in Hollywood: Pirates of the Caribean: At Worlds End, Kung Fung Panda-2, ‘2012’, Percy Jackson and Olympious: the Lighting Thief, The Siker: The Dark is Rising, Stealth, Megamind, Flags of our Father etc.
BDST: 0838 HRS, NOV 24, 2013