Two Bangladeshi short films have been selected for screening at the 9th Nepal International Film Festival, set to take place in Kathmandu from April 2 to 6. The selected films are “The Pair of White Pigeons” by Shahriar Azad and “Memories and Miseries” by Fakhrul Alam.

The six-episode horror-comedy series, titled “Aatka”, was written by Raba and directed by Arafat, and released on January 15 on Chorki.

Sharing his thoughts on acting in “Bou Pera Dey”, Mosharraf Karim said, “The drama is woven around various sweet-and-sour moments of a husband–wife relationship. Filled with humour, it also delivers a beautiful message for the audience.”

Both films are scheduled to be released during Eid al-Fitr. After completing portions of their shoots in Bangladesh, the teams moved to Sri Lanka for the next phase.

Singer-songwriter Ahmed Hasan Sunny, who gained popularity with songs such as “Shohorer Duita Gaan”, “Manush Keno Erokom” and “Amra Hoyto”, has made his debut as a filmmaker. Yesterday (January 16), Sunny released his first feature film, “Ekhane Rajnoitik Alap Joruri” (Political discussion is necessary), in cinemas.

The country’s largest film festival is showcasing works by filmmakers from Bangladesh and abroad. Jobaidur Rahman’s Bangladeshi film “Uraal (The Flying Souls)”, starring Mahfuj Munna, Sohel Towfiq and Santa Chandra Sutradhar, will have its premiere at the festival today.

Prime Video has unveiled the first look of Sophie Turner as Lara Croft in its upcoming “Tomb Raider” adaptation, sparking lively reactions online—ranging from praise for her classic styling to nostalgia for Angelina Jolie’s iconic portrayal.

Actor and director Salahuddin Lavlu has shared his reservations about directing new films, citing shifts in time, content, and audience preferences.

The news was first shared on Facebook by her nephew, Javed Mahmood, who wrote in Bengali that the actress had died in London. Her son, who lives and works in Singapore, was unreachable at the time and has consistently avoided media attention, in keeping with his mother’s long-standing preference for privacy.

Season 3 moves far beyond high school. The story jumps five years forward, following the characters as adults dealing with the long shadows of their teenage choices.

Inspired by Begum Rokeya’s groundbreaking feminist short story of the same name, the film reimagines the early 20th-century utopian vision of Ladyland, where women lead society through knowledge, science, and compassion.

On the sixth day of the festival, a varied programme offers cinema lovers multiple standout entries.

Saldaña’s box office total has been driven primarily by her roles as Neytiri in James Cameron’s “Avatar” franchise and Gamora in Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy and multiple “Avengers” films.

“Thirty-five years of working with honesty and integrity for the country and its people is no small achievement,” she reflects. “This is something very few organisations can sustain. That is why The Daily Star has always been a place of trust for me.”

As the newspaper celebrates its anniversary, Shaheen extends his heartfelt congratulations. “This contribution—especially through initiatives like the OTT Awards—is a remarkable one for our industry,” he says. “I wish The Daily Star many more years of meaningful, responsible journalism.”

For Azmeri Haque Badhan, The Daily Star’s 35-year journey stands as a testament to resilience. Congratulating the newspaper on reaching what she calls a “remarkable milestone,” she acknowledges the long and meaningful path the institution has travelled.

He praised the role the newspaper has played over the years in the country’s art, culture, and cinema.

For Jaya, the milestone is not just about numbers. It is about trust, continuity, and purpose. “Thirty-five years is no small milestone,” she said. “And to have maintained popularity with readers makes it more meaningful. My love goes to the editor and everyone associated with the paper. Not just 35 years — may it complete a hundred.

Hollywood star Will Smith has shared his long-standing desire to work in a Bollywood film, revealing that he hopes Shah Rukh Khan will cast him in a project someday.

The blanket distribution programme was held on Tuesday afternoon (January 13) at the Artistes’ Association premises, where more than 200 artistes received winter clothing.