Shameem Akhtar's 'Rina Brown' screened at film festival in Nigeria

Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria for the first time participated at the Asian Film Festival in Nigeria from December 10 to 14. 10 countries including Bangladesh are participating at the festival which marks the second yearly gala (2nd Asian Film Festival). Rina Brown, a Bangladeshi movie, was screened on December 11, which earned appreciation from  the audience. Ambassadors, High Commissioners, their spouses, members of the diplomatic crops, representatives from the Nigerian Government, members of the civil society and cultural organisations, movie lovers and expatriate community members, among others, were present.

HE Md Shameem Ahsan, NDC, in his remarks welcomed the guests and expressed his joy for the participation of Bangladesh at the Asian Film Festival for the first time. While thanking the Government of Bangladesh as well as the organisers for their generous support, the High Commissioner felt that this gala will help create greater understanding among the participating countries.

Drawn on a story against the backdrop of the War of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, Rina Brown moves on the budding relationship between two youngsters. Written and directed by Shameem Akhtar, a noted filmmaker in Bangladesh, the Impress Telefilm project was made possible with a grant from the Government of Bangladesh. Barun Chanda, Mahfuz Rizvi and Proma Paboni portray the lead roles while other members of the cast include Shampa Reza, Farhana Mithu, Ataur Rahman, Saberi Alam, Manash Chowdhury and Prabal Chowdhury, among others. This is the first time a film about the Liberation War of Bangladesh was screened in a film festival in Nigeria.

The High Commission also put up a stall at the festival and presented various publications on Bangladesh including ones on the War of Liberation and tourism potentials.  A good number of traditional articles along with jute-made items were also on display.