The 22nd edition of the renowned Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) commenced on Saturday, showcasing a diverse selection of 252 films from 74 countries. Inaugurated by Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali, the festival embraces the theme “Better Films, Better Audience, Better Society.”
Indian-Bengali actress Sharmila Tagore graced the opening ceremony as a special guest, alongside Yue Liwen, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of China, and Md Mokammel Hossain, Secretary of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry.
DIFF’s chief patron, Md Shahriar Alam, presided over the event, while festival director Ahmed Muztaba Zamal delivered the welcome remarks. Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali emphasized the universal reach of cinema, praising DIFF for exposing audiences to quality films from around the world.
Sharmila Tagore, this year’s distinguished guest and jury member, expressed her honor and highlighted the power of films to communicate across languages. The festival’s opening featured the Iran-Bangladesh joint production film ‘Fereshteh’ and the Shyam Benegal-directed ‘Mujib: Ekti Jatir Rupokar’ under the Wide Angle Film Poster Exhibition section.
Attendees can enjoy screenings at various venues, including the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Auditorium, Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium, National Art Gallery Auditorium, National Music and Dance Auditorium, and other locations in the capital.
The films are categorized under sections like Asian Competition, Retrospective, Tribute, Bangladesh Panorama, Wide Angle, Cinema of the World, Children’s Film, Spiritual Films, Short and Independent Film, and Women’s Film Session.
The festival also features the ’10th International Women Filmmakers Conference,’ addressing the role of women in films. Eminent Indian actress Sharmila Tagore will inaugurate the conference, chaired by DIFF Chairperson Kishwar Kamal, with State Minister for Women and Child Affairs Simin Hossain Rimi as the Chief Guest.
Additionally, Minister of Social Welfare Dr Dipu Moni will inaugurate the Wide Angle section on January 22, with special guests including the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and distinguished film scholar Dr Shi Chuan.
A unique masterclass-day, scheduled for January 27, will host renowned figures like Dr Shi Chuan, Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, and Indian filmmaker Anjan Dutt. The sessions, moderated by Bangladeshi film critic Bidhan Rebeiro, require prior registration.
Supported by various ministries and organizations, DIFF, initiated by Rainbow Film Society, will run until January 28. Detailed information, including the screening schedule, is available on the festival’s official website: https://www.dhakafilmfestival.org/.
