Los Angeles, CA — Ajijul Hasan Surzo isn’t shying away from the big subjects. With a filmography already punctuated by explorations of social justice and human rights stemming from his early work in Bangladesh, the director-producer is now gearing up for his most ambitious U.S. project yet: “Fields of Freedom.” The upcoming feature film, developed under his Craft Films LA banner, aims to offer an unflinching look into the harrowing world of human `trafficking and exploitation, but Surzo’s vision extends far beyond the confronting narrative. He’s determined to make the film a statement—a testament to California’s enduring film industry, a launchpad for emerging talent, and a vehicle for meaningful advocacy.
“Fields of Freedom” is poised to be a raw, character-driven drama focusing on a pregnant woman trapped within a clandestine drug packaging operation. The story will follow her courageous journey as she, inspired by the life growing within her, endeavors to awaken a sense of self-worth and hope in her fellow female captives, ultimately masterminding a perilous escape. “This is a story about the incredible resilience of the human spirit, about finding light in the deepest darkness,” Surzo says, speaking from Los Angeles where the film is in pre-production. “It’s about the fundamental right to dignity and freedom.”
This focus on challenging, socially relevant narratives is a consistent thread in Surzo’s work. His early films, such as The Auxiliary Verb (exhibited at Bangladesh’s National Museum after selection for the Children’s Film Festival Dhaka) and Manabi, were later showcased at India’s prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF). His cinematography on D earned screenings at the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), while Zihad won Best Film at his university’s festival. After relocating to the U.S., Surzo fortified this foundation with advanced training—including Panavision’s cinematography certification—and co-founded Craft Films LA with Maria Salinger. Their collaboration on the German-language feature “Bubbles” won Best Comedy at Mannheim Arts and Film Festival and Best Feature at Golden Nugget International Film Festival. Surzo’s creative evolution continued with the Golden Globe Foundation, where he directed the fellowship film Emily’s Nightout and served as cinematographer on HFPA-backed projects Powder Room, Night Train, and Corridor of Dreams. He’s currently developing Call from the 80’s (pre-production) as producer with Maria Salinger—a thematic successor to Bubbles—further bridging his international filmmaking roots with Hollywood’s mentorship ecosystem.
Now, with “Fields of Freedom,” Surzo is channeling that experience into a project with a distinct production ethos. In a bold move, especially as many productions chase out-of-state tax incentives, he plans to shoot over 80% of the film in California, predominantly in Los Angeles. “There’s an extraordinary ecosystem of talent and resources here that is simply unparalleled,” Surzo asserts. “During these challenging times for our local industry, it feels vital to reinvest and showcase what California can do. ‘Fields of Freedom’ has an international scope in its story, but its heart will be made right here.”
Perhaps even more notably, “Fields of Freedom” is being structured as a full union production with a specific mandate to nurture new talent. “We’re committed to making this a project that opens doors,” Surzo explains. “There are so many incredibly skilled, hard-working non-union filmmakers out there. Our goal is to bring a significant number of them onto this union production, give them that crucial experience, that credit, and help them bridge into the next stage of their careers. It’s about recognizing dedication and creating tangible opportunities.
To realize this multi-faceted vision, Surzo is leveraging key industry partnerships. As a member of both the Television Academy and Film Independent, he sees a pathway for “Fields of Freedom” to transcend cinema and fuel real-world dialogue. The subject matter necessitates advocacy,” he states. These organizations are powerhouses for outreach and impact, and we hope to collaborate with them to ensure the film contributes to meaningful conversations about the issues it portrays.
Casting will be supported by SAG Indie, aiming to assemble a powerful ensemble of union actors. The film’s visual ambitions are also clear, with the production actively pursuing Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program for access to top-tier camera equipment, and planning to partner with Panavision’s Light Iron for the crucial color grading process. “The aesthetic has to serve the emotional truth of the story,” Surzo emphasizes. “We want a visual language that is both raw and cinematic.”
“Every decision for ‘Fields of Freedom’- from the narrative focus to our production model and the partnerships we’re building- is about creating something that has integrity and impact,” Surzo reflects. It’s about crafting a compelling film that also operates as a conscientious and supportive member of the filmmaking community.
As “Fields of Freedom” moves forward, it represents not just another independent feature, but a director’s ambitious attempt to weave together art, advocacy, and a forward-thinking approach to film production in the heart of Hollywood.