Seminar on censorship of digital films
A scene from Animesh Aich's digital film (produced by Impress Telefilm Ltd) "Garam Bhat Othoba Nichhak Bhuter Golpo.”
In recent years, digital filmmaking, which has become popular around the world, is catching on among our filmmakers. This format, comparatively inexpensive to the 35 and 16 mm format, is becoming the preferred medium to work with for many.
But to work in this format they have to face several obstacles. The most important being Bangladesh Film Censor Board not yet including digital films under its regulation.
On November 5, a seminar and open discussion on the topic "Digital Chalachchitra: Shamashya O Shambhabana," was held at the Projection Hall of Bangladesh Film Archive (BFA), Shahbagh. The programme was arranged by BFA. Noted filmmaker Morshedul Islam read out the keynote paper while several film related personalities participated in the open discussion. Jamil Osman, secretary, Ministry of Information, was the chief guest at the programme.
In his keynote paper Morshedul Islam compiled history and information as well as scope of digital filmmaking in the Bangladeshi context. He highlighted on the pragmatic aspects as well as obstacles in digital filmmaking. According to the paper, "The main obstacle in the field of digital filmmaking is censorship. It is surprising that the Bangladesh Film Censor Board has not yet recognised digital filmmaking.
Islam also went over other issues, including screening of digital films. Theatres across the country are not yet technically equipped for screening digital films, as they need a different projection system. The projection system is quite expensive, which Islam pointed out in his paper, but high quality multimedia projection system could be used as an alternative to screen these films.
Director General of BFA, Dr. Muhammad Jahangir was the moderator of the discussion. Filmmakers Badal Rahman, Sohanur Rahman Sohan, Azizur Rahman, Animesh Aich, Maruf Hossain; media personalities Faridur Reza Sagar, Mahiuddin Faruque and film activist Belayet Hossain Mamun, among others, took part in the open discussion.
Earlier a film-hand over session was held, where Impress Telefilm Ltd, turned in 22 films to BFA. Faridur Reza Sagar, managing director, Impress Telefilm, handed over couple of film cans as a symbolic gesture to Jamil Osman.
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