One of Bangladesh's most prominent filmmakers. One of Bangladesh most prominent filmmakers, Tareque Masud rose to prominence with the films Muktir Gaan (The Song of Freedom) in 1995 and Matir Moina (The Clay Bird) in 2002, the later based on his experiences during Bangladesh's war of independence in 1971. Matir Moina won the International Critics' award (Fipresci) at the 2002 Cannes film festival, for its 'authentic, moving and delicate portrayal of a country struggling for its democratic rights.' This was the first Bangladeshi film to compete for best foreign-language film at the Oscars. Matir Moina, which deals with the impact of religious belief on a family's lives during the struggle for Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan, focuses on a young lower-middle-class boy who is sent away by his orthodox father to a madrasah. Notable among Masud's other films were Muktir Kotha (Words of Freedom: 1999) and 'A Kind of Childhood' (2002) Eminent cinematographer and journalist Tareque Masud had worked for BBC World, Discovery Channel and National Geographic. Born in Faridpur district Tareque Masud died of car crash while travelling outside Dhaka.