<i>Amar Ekushey Granthamela '08</i>

Manzar-e Hasin Murad speaks at the programmePhoto: STAR

As part of the daily discussion at the month-long Amar Ekushey Granthamela 2008, filmmaker Manzar-e Hasin Murad presented a paper titled Achievements in art and literature over three decades: Film (1972-2007) on February 4.
Though film industry developed in Bangladesh in the early '60s, according to Murad's paper we have made little achievement in cinema over the last three decades. According to Murad, few films like Stop Genocide, Arunodayer Agnishakkhi, Dhire Bohey Meghna, Megher Anek Rang, Shurjo Dighol Bari, Alor Michhil, Dumurer Phul, Emiler Goenda Bahini, Chitra Nadir Pare and others can be considered quality mainstream movies made in a period of over three decades. He further added that in the alternative cinema circuit, independent filmmakers in the country have also made a few notable films like Chaka and Matir Moina.
Going over why there has not been significant development in the Bangladeshi film industry, Murad blamed the ongoing socio-political turmoil, incompetent filmmakers, over-commercia-lisation and distortion of history as the key factors.
Though the title of Murad's paper mentions 'achievements in the last three decades', he discussed films that highlight the Liberation War and the spirit of freedom.
Filmmaker Badal Rahman, Deputy Director of Bangla Academy Mahbub Azad and Head of Programme of BTV Faridur Rahman discussed on Murad's paper. The discussion was presided over by eminent filmmaker Soovas Dutta.
Mahbub Azad said, “We don't have a shortage of remarkable stories for making interesting films, but not many films of a certain standard have been made so far.”
Faridur Rahman addressed the technical aspects of filmmaking. He said, “These days filmmakers are making many films, which don't follow the 'language of cinema'. These types of films should be labelled as 'drama on celluloid'.
He also criticised the trend of distorting our language in the name of experimentation by some popular young filmmakers.
Badal Rahman blamed the political turmoil as the major bar towards development of the film industry in Bangladesh. “Discussion on culture without politics is incomplete. Which is why art forms in Bangladesh are struggling,” he said. “I'm optimistic about the future of our film industry. To achieve a certain standard in our film industry, the government should provide a guideline involving the filmmakers,” he added.
Soovas Dutta in his speech urged the political leaders not to manipulate the film industry. He said, “I believe that the filmmakers should be allowed to express their opinions and ideas.”
The discussion was followed by a cultural programme.