The much-anticipated 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) is poised to launch in the capital today, extending its cinematic extravaganza until January 28. With a curated selection of 250 films hailing from 74 countries, including 71 locally produced films, the festival is anticipated to be a vibrant celebration of global cinema.
The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for 4 pm on Saturday at the National Museum's main conference hall, will witness Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali as the chief guest. Joining the event as special guests are Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen and renowned Indian actress Sharmila Tagore.
Director Ahmed Mujtaba Jamal, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, emphasized the significance of the Dhaka International Film Festival as the most prestigious and notable film festival in Bangladesh. He highlighted its substantial contribution to the cultivation of a rich and progressive cultural heritage within the country.
Jamal expressed the festival's success in creating a platform that connects youth and promising filmmakers with the international film community. Additionally, he underscored its role in building bridges with the global film industry and firmly establishing the identity of Bangladeshi cinema in alignment with global cinematic trends.
Screenings during the festival will be hosted at various venues, including the National Museum, Shilpakala Academy, Alliance Française de Dhaka, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Academy Conference Hall. Admission to all screenings is free, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, with the
exception of the opening and closing ceremonies, which are exclusively reserved for invited guests.
The festival will kick off with the screening of the Iran-Bangladesh joint production film 'Fereshteh,' starring acclaimed actress Jaya Ahsan and directed by Morteza Atashzamzam, under the Wide Angle Film Poster Exhibition section.
The opening session on Saturday evening will also feature Shyam Benegal's 'Mujib: Ekti Jatir Rupokar' (Mujib: The Making of a Nation) at 7 pm, categorized under the Bangladesh Panorama.
Noteworthy events in this year's DIFF include a "Master Class" session featuring renowned Iranian director Majid Majidi, known for works like "Children of Heaven" and "Song of Sparrows." Indian filmmaker Anjan Dutt will also conduct a master class on January 27.
The "Wide Angle" section of the festival will commence on Monday at 4:30 pm, with Social Welfare Minister Dipu Moni as the chief guest and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Deputy Chair of the Shanghai Film Association Shi Chuan as special guests.
From Sunday to Monday, the "10th International Women Filmmakers Conference" at the Samson Lounge of the Dhaka Club will provide a platform for Bangladeshi and international women filmmakers to exchange ideas and experiences.
A screenplay competition titled "West Meets East" will be hosted at the Alliance Française de Dhaka from January 23-26, offering cash prizes of $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 for the top three winners.
The festival is slated to conclude on January 28,
with State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Md Humayun
Kabir Khandaker, Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, and Indian actress Sharmila Tagore in attendance.
Organized by the Rainbow Film Society since 1992, the Dhaka International Film Festival aims to foster cultural exchange and provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to connect with the global film industry. The event enjoys support from various ministries and esteemed partners, solidifying its position as a significant cultural milestone in Bangladesh.