Cinemaking International Film Festival concludes
Honouring the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh, the Cinemaking International Film Festival concluded yesterday.
A preview screening of the Anjan Aich-directed film "Agamikal", was held at the International Mother Language Institute. After screening the first part of the film, the event was inaugurated by the chief guest Fisheries and Livestock Minister S M Rezaul Karim. He handed out the Lifetime Achievement award to Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste and freedom fighter, Monoranjan Ghoshal.
Filmmakers from 121 countries submitted over 600 films across 11 categories to the event for 111 awards.
"I feel that the more closely we look at life, its vividness, events, and uniqueness, the more humanity it awakens in us," said S M Rezaul Karim. "Be it actors, scriptwriters, or any other member of a film production crew, I believe all of them are architects who, with their creativity and effort, present narratives of life."
"The marvelous films produced by the actors, scriptwriters, and the rest of the crew reignites our spirit whenever we are tired, washing away the monotony of life," he added.
"Our Prime Minister wishes to preserve the culture and traditions of Bangladesh and for that, she has even initiated film grants. Today, I hope that through this event, we can preserve Bengali culture."
After his speech, the award-giving ceremony took place. The Best Director award was bagged by Md Selim Khan.
The awards were handed out by S M Rezaul Karim, and Monoranjan Ghoshal, alongside the President of the Bangladesh Film Directors Association Sohanur Rahman Sohan.
The Best Actor award was won by Shanto Khan for the Shamim Ahamed Roni directed film, "Bikkhov", and the Best Actor in a Negative Role award was claimed by Tutul Chowdhury for the film, "Agamikal".
Masud Prathik's "Maya: The Lost Mother", Apuba Roy's "Pure Jay Mon" among many Bangladeshi films, won awards at the event.
After another short speech from renowned film director Apuba Roy, the award-giving ceremony continued.
The Best Actress award was jointly won by Indian actress Srabanti Chatterjee and Bangladeshi actress Zakia Bari Mamo. Renowned actor Jayanta Chattopadhyay also won an award.
The Best Director Award under the Bangladesh category was won by Md Selim Khan, and the Best Film Award was won by Shamim Ahamed Roni.
The Best Mobile Film award was bagged jointly by Ruponti Das and Anik Das for "Aftertaste", while the Best Long Duration Film award was won by Monjurul Imran.
The event also honoured Bangladesh Film Artistes Association and Bangladesh Film Directors Association with awards.
Towards the end, Monoranjan Ghoshal gave a speech as the chief speaker of the event.
"There are three sacred words in our nation—Bangabandhu, Muktijuddho, and Bangladesh," he said. "To bring a nation's freedom, you don't need money, but commitment, dedication, and patriotism. Bangabandhu proved this point. Bear the three sacred words in your hearts and spread them amongst others."
He expressed that films are a medium of education as they convey strong messages. "I would say to filmmakers that there are plenty of unconventional matters in our society, and films should address them through their storylines," he added.