The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has officially launched its “Ekal Sekal” (Past and Present) film festival. Organized by the Academy’s Department of Theater and Film, the event is taking place at the National Art Gallery Auditorium and will run through August 11. All screenings throughout the festival are free and open to the public.
The festival schedule features a diverse selection of films. The opening ceremony is set for 5:00 PM today, followed by a 6:00 PM screening of Mezbaur Rahman Sumon’s “Roid” and an 8:00 PM showing of Zahir Raihan’s “Jibon Theke Neya.” On August 10, the second day, Khan Ataur Rahman’s “Abar Tora Manush Ho” will be screened at 5:30 PM, followed by Mohammad Nuruzzaman’s “Mastul” at 8:00 PM. The final day, August 11, will feature Amjad Hossain’s “Dui Poyshar Alta” at 5:30 PM and conclude with Akash Haque’s “The University of Chankharpul” at 8:00 PM.
In conjunction with the festival, a seminar titled “Contemporary Context of Cinema: Past and Present” was held last Friday at the department’s seminar room. The session was chaired by Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin, with Information and Broadcasting Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman attending as the chief guest. The keynote paper was presented by Aktanin Khayer Tanin. Other notable participants included Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies President Zahirul Islam Kochi, and filmmakers Matin Rahman, Shahin Dil-Riaz, Mohammad Nuruzzaman, and S.M. Imran Hossain. The discussion was moderated by the department’s director, Deepak Kumar Goswami.
During the seminar, independent filmmakers presented several proposals to revitalize the industry. Key suggestions included utilizing existing district-level Shilpakala Academy auditoriums as alternative cinema halls to combat the decline of single-screen theaters. Filmmakers also advocated for the creation of a content bank for independent works, the integration of local cultural organizations and film societies into exhibition networks, and the use of open-air venues to reduce costs. Furthermore, they proposed a nominal ticketing fee of 10 to 20 BDT to cover operational expenses and requested that the Academy provide its auditoriums to independent filmmakers at subsidized rates.
Filmmaker Mohammad Nuruzzaman emphasized that rather than waiting for the construction of specialized theaters, the Academy could immediately begin alternative screenings by leveraging existing equipment and facilities in district branches. Addressing these concerns, Deepak Kumar Goswami confirmed that all proposals were received positively. He noted that the Academy is working toward a policy similar to the one currently benefiting theater troupes, where independent filmmakers would receive rental concessions. Goswami stated that he intends to present these recommendations to the council, noting that the recent parliamentary approval to establish a separate film department will help expedite these initiatives. He added that the Academy is committed to modernizing sound systems and screens in its venues to support these artistic efforts.
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