Amit Ashraf was one of the breakout storytellers of the year in the country, stirring up a buzz with his big-screen directorial debut, "Udhao". In a conversation with The Daily Star, the young filmmaker looked back at the year that was, and forward to the one that just began.

How has 2013 been for you?

Amit: It was not ideal, but I don't regret much at the end of the day. Due to the political situation of the country almost all throughout the year, it was not a great year for the film industry. Although everything was kind of 'slow', it was still good to be able to release my first film and reach out tc the audience. The film did well, and is still running in theatres in Dhaka (Balaka) and Khulna, so I'm happy about that. All in all, it was difficult, but rewarding.

How do you think this year is going to be for the film industry?

Amit: I'm really looking forward to this year, and sincerely hoping the scenario gets better and friendlier for the creative arts. I

think a lot of projects were stuck and put on hold due to the country's prevailing situation, and hopefully they will get a go-ahead when the turmoil calms down. There has been talk about agreements with the West Bengal (India) for export and import of movies, so if that happens, it will be a boost. More cinema theatres are set to open doors, and that will certainly give filmmakers some motivation as well. All in all, 1 think the whole film industry is going to pick up the pace this year.

What are your plans for 2014?

Amit: I'll hopefully be making a movie alongside two other directors; it's like a three-part story told by three different directors, but the story is connected. Although the other directors have not been locked, it should be interesting. I'm also looking to do my own film - an animation feature - in association with an animation studio here. It's going to take a while to finish it, though, but the audience will get to see some cool samples and pieces by this year, hopefully.