14th Dhaka International Film Festival
Fazle Rabbi Khan
Under Construction, directed by young Bangladeshi filmmaker Rubaiyat Hossain opened the 14th Dhaka International Film Festival on January 14.
The festival, which concludes tomorrow, was divided into several sections, dedicated to retrospective films, world cinema, childrens films, spiritual films, women filmmakers and independent films. There was also an Australasia competitive section.
Some 184 films from 60 countries were screened during the weeklong festival, organised by Rainbow Film Society.
I am really very glad and excited to participate in this big festival. And I am also very glad that the opening film is mine. I am hopeful of my film. I believe the audience will like the film, said Rubaiyat.
Her film is based on a female character, named Roya. After years of performing Nandini, the central character of Rabindranath Tagores last play, Rakta Karabi, theatre actress Roya attempts to reconstruct the play in a contemporary setting and rediscover Nandini in her own terms. Roya finds herself under construction, travelling alone to exert her own desires, wishes and ambitions.
This festival is a great platform for young filmmakers. One can watch different films from different countries that they may not be able to watch in general. So, through this festival, young filmmakers can gather knowledge of this art (filmmaking). Not only that, there are a few workshops and seminars, which is a great opportunity for these filmmakers, Rubaiyat added.
As a part of the festival, workshops were conducted titled 6th Dhaka Cine Workshop, Second International Women in Cinema Conference and International Emerging Talents Films Association, where young filmmakers got the chance to learn more about making films.
Every film festival is important for a new hunter. There is a big gathering of expertise, renowned filmmakers, artistes and new films as well. In recent times, film festivals have grown in significance, as a result, we are getting good and quality films gradually. It is a global communication of the film world. In that sense, Dhaka International Film Festival is big a platform for those who are struggling to be a filmmaker in the global market, said Ruhul Robin Khan, another young director who participated in the festival with his film, Identity. The film deals with the struggles of a gay man in a predominantly heterosexual society.
Amusingly, film activists from over 60 countries are participating here with their projects, and I feel proud to contribute to this festival. It is a great opportunity for me to judge my quality. And also, it is an opportunity for all to know each other through our works, behind global limitations. I like to thank the organisers for giving me the opportunity to participate in the festival, Ruhul added.
The festival was inaugurated on Jan 14 at a ceremony held at the main auditorium of the National Museum in Shahbagh. The function was attended by Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, Syrian director Mohammad Malas and Norwegian filmmaker Anja Breien, among others.
Meanwhile, selection and presentation of awards for the festival will take place later, said jury member Hayder Rizvi.
