According to the Rozina, films will definitely flourish, if the fraternity tries to go with the global flow. "It is now up to the young filmmakers and artistes to pick up what we started decades ago, and make us proud."

On this day in 1957, the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proposed to form the Film Development Corporation, of the then East Pakistan Provincial Council.

Since then, April 3 was declared as the National Film Day.

Bangabandhu was an ardent supporter of cultural activities and tasteful films, and always extended his hand in the development of this arena.

Photos: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

After more than 6 decades, where does our industry stand today?

Veteran actor Shohel Rana is hopeful about the future of the industry. "If we could improve the ambience of our cinema halls, audience would be eager to visit theatres." According to him, halls need to compete against other mediums of watching films, in order to stay relevant. "Youngsters now tend to watch films on their phones. A cinema hall has to offer amazing ambience if they want to attract them," says the actor.

"I witnessed the golden period of cinema, when theatres were crowded and films would have month long shows," says Ujjal. "I am aware that there are many ways in which films can be watched – OTT being the primary choice. However, a full theatrical experience is something that is yet to be replaced".

Rozina, however, believes in evolution. "With technological advancements, entertainment is globalised, and we really cannot change that. We can watch Hollywood films here, and our films have begun to grace the international arena. Soon enough, you will see that the logistical boundaries of cinema halls will be a non-issue".

According to the actress, films will definitely flourish, if the fraternity tries to go with the global flow. "It is now up to the young filmmakers and artistes to pick up what we started decades ago, and make us proud."

"What is a cinema hall? The concept itself is being redefined. People are preferring OTT, over visiting theatres," says director Dipankar Dipon. "We have to be more careful about differentiating projects for OTT silver screens, as these mediums are completely different."

According to the director people still like to go to halls. However, most of our theatres lack the comfortable environment that the audience craves. "We are a densely populated country, which is a positive sign for the film business, however, we are unable to utilise it fully." He also thinks that directors need to be aware of using the budget technically.

President of Film Producers Association, Khorshed Alam Khorsu suggested the hall owners to utilise the soft loan granted by the government. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has permitted an allocation of BDT 1000 crore soft interest loan for the improvement of the film industry, which can be repaid within a time of eight to ten years," he says. "With this, the halls can be reconstructed, and new multiplexes can be built, hall owners should be concerned about this."

He also informed that there are plans of introducing multiplexes in all the districts of the country. Films will be made and they will go on a flow, however, the main concern seems to save the silver screen experience.

The digital space is the future – that much is clear for even the most traditional residents of the industry. What the dynamic between OTT and cinema halls will be, whether and how they'll create a sustainable ecosystem, remains a question that will be answered with time.