A two-day Russian film and photography festival ended at the auditorium of Stamford University, Bangladesh at Shiddheswari in the capital with the screening of Russian films ‘Heart of a Dog’ and ‘Pirates of the 20th Century’ on Tuesday.
Russian Cultural Centre, Russian Society and Stamford University, Bangladesh jointly organised the festival, which was inaugurated on October 2 with the screening of ‘Ballad of a Soldier’.
The photo exhibition, on the other hand, is arranged around the various roles of the Russian government towards Bangladesh. After independence, the Russian army assisted the Bangladeshi government in removing landmines from various parts of the country. In addition, Russian sailors had a role in the formation of the newly independent Bangladesh Navy. These factors have been displayed in the photography exhibition. Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Aleksandr Mantytsky was the chief guest at the opening ceremony.
Referring to the Great Liberation War of 1971, Russian Ambassador Mantytsky said, "Russia's cultural relations with Bangladesh are long and historic. People from two countries can get to know each other through cultural exchanges. This film festival has been organised to continue that trend. Hope our friendship will grow stronger."
In his speech, the Russian Cultural Center head said, "Bangladesh is intimately connected with Russian art and culture. The Soviet government has helped the country in many ways during the Liberation War. Since then, the Soviet Union and Russia have provided opportunities for higher education by providing scholarships to the students of this country."
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Stamford University, Fatinaaz Feroz, University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Yunus Mia, Russian Cultural Center Head Pavel Alexandrovich and Chairman of the Department of Film and Media at Stamford University and filmmaker Dr Matin Rahman, were present as special guests amongst others.
Vice chancellor of the university Professor Moniruzzaman, treasurer Professor Ziaul Hasan and Russian Cultural Centre Head Pavel Alexandrovich were present at the closing ceremony.