John Kabir Enters Filmmaking with “American Dream”

John Kabir, celebrated as the lead vocalist of the iconic Black Band, has continually expanded his artistic repertoire over the years. While music brought him early fame, Kabir has also explored acting sporadically and ventured into podcast hosting during the COVID-19 pandemic, producing content that drew widespread public attention. Now, he has embraced an entirely new creative pursuit: directing. His short film, American Dream, marks his debut as a filmmaker.

Having settled in the United States for several years, Kabir produced and directed the film there. The short, with a runtime of two and a half minutes, features a solo performance by Zayed Khan, who himself has been living in the United States for nearly three years. The story portrays the daily struggles of an expatriate, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges of life abroad while trying to support a family back home.

A photograph recently circulated online showed Zayed Khan carrying wooden planks along a New York street. Many assumed he had taken up manual labour to make ends meet. In reality, the image was part of the film’s production. In American Dream, Khan plays a construction worker who labours throughout the week, including on his days off, to provide for his family. To shield his loved ones from worry, he conceals the difficulties he faces, presenting a facade of well-being.

While Zayed Khan’s acting has faced criticism in the past, his performance in American Dream has been praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance. The short film premiered last Friday at 7 PM Bangladesh time on the YouTube channel and Facebook page of the US-based media platform Thikana. Both the actor and the director have received positive acclaim from viewers, with many applauding the film’s honest depiction of expatriate life.

Although this is Kabir’s first foray into filmmaking, he initially chose to remain behind the scenes, crediting himself as “JK.” However, once the film drew attention, his identity became public. In a video shared by Sad Al Amin, a Film and Media student in the United States, Kabir said, “I wanted to stay hidden. But for how long?” Later, on his own social media account, he confirmed, “The secret is out. I am JK, the filmmaker.”

American Dream – Film Details

American Dream reflects Kabir’s versatility as an artist, moving seamlessly from music and podcasting into filmmaking, while shedding light on the quiet determination and sacrifices of those living far from home.