Bangladesh to be “Country in Focus” at International Film Festival of India

Bangladesh will be the "Country in Focus" at the 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India, which begins in the coastal state of Goa from January 16.

The "Country in Focus", a special segment that recognizes the cinematic excellence and contributions of a country, will showcase four films from Bangladesh, according to India's the Information and Broadcasting Ministry officials.

The segment is one of the most important aspects in the festival, and this is the first time Bangladesh is being highlighted there.

The Bangladeshi directors' whose films will be screened under the "Country in Focus" section are -- "Jibondhuli" by Tanvir Mokammel, "Meghmallar" by Zahidur Rahim Anjan, "Under Construction" by Rubaiyat Hossain and anthology film "Sincerely Yours, Dhaka" by Nuhash Humayun, Syed Ahmed Shawki, Rahat Rahman Joy, MD Robiul Alam, Golam Kibria Farooki, Mir Mukarram Hossain, Tanvir Ahsan, Mahmudul Islam, Abdullah Al Noor, Krishnendu Chattopadhyay, Syed Saleh Ahmed Sobhan.

Rubaiyat is also a member of the jury for the competitive section of the IFFI.

Tanvir will be among five eminent directors who will speak virtually about the art and craft of filmmaking under the "Masterclass" event at the IFFI.

The other eminent speakers are Shekhar Kapur, Priyadarshan, Perry Lang and Subhash Ghai.

Due to coronavirus pandemic, the International Film Festival of India is being held for the first time in a 'hybrid' format consisting of online and offline formats.

This year, the IFFI will organize a few of its events, including some films to be screened under the World Panorama section, on the OTT platform for its audience.

The opening and closing ceremonies of the Festival, which ends on January 24, will be telecast live.