Mahadi Shawon is a Bangladeshi filmmaker, producer, writer and cinematographer whose journey from a small-town dreamer to a Hollywood filmmaker is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and an unshakable passion for storytelling. Born on August 25, 1988, in Magura, Bangladesh, Shawon grew up in a modest socio-economic environment, where access to the arts and creative education was limited. As the only brother to two elder sisters, he was raised in a traditional household that valued stability over artistic pursuits, making his dream of becoming a filmmaker an uphill battle from the start. His passion for storytelling emerged early, but the lack of filmmaking infrastructure and learning opportunities in Bangladesh forced him to carve his own path. He studied at Lincoln University College and SEGi University in Malaysia, where he actively participated in cultural clubs and theater, honing his skills as a storyteller. After completing his degree, he returned to Bangladesh, eager to enter the film industry but faced numerous barriers. The political instability, lack of structured film education and oppurtunities, and an industry dominated by established connections made it difficult for newcomers to break in. He started his career as a producer and later gained hands-on experience as an associate director under renowned filmmaker in Banglades, Topu Khan. For two years, he worked tirelessly, learning the intricacies of the craft before finally embarking on his solo directing journey. Despite his growing reputation in Bangladesh’s media industry, Shawon aspired to push beyond borders and learn advanced filmmaking techniques unavailable in his home country. However, the road to Hollywood was anything but easy. He faced repeated U.S. visa rejections, each one a crushing blow to his dream. The visa process was compounded by socio-political issues, limited opportunities for international filmmakers, and cultural barriers that made it difficult to prove his potential on a global stage. Many times, he was on the verge of giving up, but his determination kept him moving forward. After years of struggle, Shawon finally secured a visa and moved to Los Angeles, where he is currently furthering his studies in filmmaking at Los Angeles City College. Starting from scratch in Hollywood was daunting. The cultural and industry differences, along with financial constraints, made survival a daily challenge. To support himself, he took on multiple jobs while continuing to build his portfolio. He completed PA workshops at Netflix and Disney, gaining experience in grip, electric, lighting, and casting. He also earned certification from Panavision as a cinematographer and camera operator, working with industry-standard cameras like the Arri Alexa Mini LF, RED Dragon, and Sony cinema cameras. Beyond filmmaking, Shawon is also deeply committed to humanitarian efforts. He volunteers with the American Red Cross and played a crucial role in disaster relief efforts during the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. His work with the Red Cross allowed him to connect with the community, offering aid to those in crisis while reinforcing his belief that storytelling must reflect real human struggles. In addition to directing, writing, producing and cinematography, Shawon serves as a digital media director at DTLA Law Group and has previously worked at Universal Studios Hollywood and Film Independent. As the founder of S2S Productions , a full-service production house in Bangladesh, he continues to collaborate on independent films, corporate projects, and international productions. His work spans feature films, short films, commercials, scripted and unscripted series, and live multi-camera productions. Mahadi Shawon’s journey—marked by financial struggles, cultural barriers, political roadblocks, and the relentless pursuit of a dream—exemplifies the spirit of perseverance. Today, he stands as a filmmaker committed to telling stories that resonate globally, using his experiences to inspire others who dare to dream beyond their circumstances. His journey is far from over, but every challenge he has overcome is a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal: to create meaningful cinema that bridges cultures and brings human stories to life. more...