PM for celluloid to unite people

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday called upon local and foreign artistes and filmmakers to make films that bring people closer.

"Make such films that will deepen man's love for man, make mind broad and liberal," she said at a function marking the inauguration of an eight-day International Film Festival Bangladesh-2003 at the Osmany Memorial Hall in the afternoon.

Film is not only a medium of entertainment, she said and observed that the film industry has an important role in bringing about a positive change in society as movies can portray the true picture of life and society.

"We have to make such films that will awaken people's conscience and spirit, and inspire them in their struggle for a better life," she said.

"Film for the people" is the theme of this year's festival organised by the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies (BFFS) in cooperation with the information ministry.

Information Minister Tariqul Islam, Festival Committee Chairman AH Mofazzal Karim, Indian film maker Mrinal Sen, BFFS President Mahbub Jamil and Festival Director Golam Rabbani Biblob also spoke at the function.

A total of 42 foreign guests from 14 countries are attending the festival.

"Amar Bhuban" made by celebrity Indian filmmaker Mrinal Sen, who was also present on the occasion, was screened as the inaugural movie.

Screening of some 93 famous films from 31 countries, including 30 from host Bangladesh will begin today at the auditoriums of Central Public Library, National Museum and Russian Cultural Centre, and 25 cinemas in Dhaka and Narayanganj.

The festival also includes seminars, roundtables and open discussions on films.

A five-member jury board, including foreigners, will nominate three films for award. The best one will get $6,000 and the rest two $2,000 each. The three films will get certificates and crests.

Underlining the importance of holding international film festival, the prime minister said it will give local filmmakers an exposure to films of international standard.

"I hope, in course of exchange of ideas and experiences during the festival, our filmmakers, artistes and performers will get immense benefit in widening their horizon of creative film making," she told the function.

"I call upon the filmmakers to put in their best efforts to make films educative reflecting our national pride," the prime minister said.

"Our artistes and filmmakers are capable enough of making quality films. What is needed is support and patronisation," she said, assuring persons concerned of all support and cooperation for making good films.

She called upon the local filmmakers to make at least one quality film a year aiming at winning international award.

The prime minister also urged the foreign filmmakers to make films taking elements from the rich treasure of Bangladesh.

A total of 63 foreign films to be screened during the festival are from 30 countries, including Sri lanka, India, Pakistan, Iran, Singapore, Iran, Thailand, the Philippines, Russia, Japan, France, Indonesia, Vietnam, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands and the USA.

Ten Bangladeshi films will be screened in the festival under the auspices of the Bangladesh Panorama Chapter of the carnival.