Recession is over for films, now the target is the global market: Hasan Mahmud

Yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Minister, Dr Hasan Mahmud said the good days of films are back and that the industry is turning around thanks to positive measures taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our aim is to make sure our films find a place on the global screen and it is possible," he said while addressing a memorial meeting at an auditorium of Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in the capital.

Sammilita Chalachithra Parishad (SCP) organised the meeting in memory of the country's eminent film actor and Member of Parliament, Akbar Hossain Pathan, popularly known as Farooque.

At the beginning of his speech, Dr Hasan paid a glowing tribute to Farooque and recalled his contributions as an actor in the film arena, as well as politics.

Afterwards, Dr Hasan noted that the country's film industry was in a period of recession for about two and a half years, due to COVID-19 situation. But now, many cinemas are being produced.

The minister shared that the government has formed a fund of BDT 1,000 crore to provide loans with low interest to construct and renovate cinema halls and cineplexes. Besides, a new building complex along with an auditorium, four shooting floors, two cineplexes and two swimming pools are being constructed at BFDC, he added.

Dr Hasan Mahmud also shared how the amount of grants for making films has also increased and a total of 23 cinemas received grants this year.

The minister lauded the recognition achieved by many local film directors, actors, and actresses from international forums and hoped that the film industry would be able to ensure its position at the global level.

Dr Hasan Mahmud recalled actor Farooque's brilliant performance in many films including "Golapi Ekhon Traine", "Sareng Bow" and "Sujan Sokhi". 

He stated that Farooque would forever be remembered through these films, before praising the late actor for also being a freedom fighter and lawmaker.

SCP joint convenor Kazi Hayat; actresses Rozina, Aruna Biswas, and Nipun; actor Riaz; director Musfiqur Rahman Gulzar; producer and distributor Mohammad Hossain; photographer Abdul Latif Bachchu; video editor Abu Musa Debu and BFDC Director General Nuzhat Yesmin, among others, addressed the meeting, while SCP's convenor Khorshed Alam Khasru was in the chair. SCP member secretary Shah Alam Kiran conducted the meeting.