The sixth edition of the Hill Film Festival officially wrapped up its Dhaka leg yesterday, marking the conclusion of a remarkable journey that spanned two vibrant phases—Rangamati in December and Dhaka in January. Held at DrikPath Bhobon and Shala Neighbourhood Art Space, the Dhaka segment showcased an eclectic mix of films from around the world, offering a platform for voices seldom heard and stories rarely told. From screenings to insightful panel discussions, the festival brought together filmmakers, critics, and an audience eager to witness the power of cinema in all its diverse forms.

This year's festival, a vital celebration of indigenous cinema, showcased 62 films from 20 countries, spanning a range of genres from short fiction to experimental works, and representing 18 different languages. With a focus on themes like "Feminine Focus," "Indigenous World," and "Freedom and Existence," the festival was not only a celebration of artistic expression but also a deep dive into pressing social issues, particularly those affecting indigenous communities globally. The festival's curated sections, including "Indigenous Mirror" by Santua Tripura and "Whispers from the Next Door" by Fazle Hasan Shishir, helped set the tone for discussions around representation, identity, and self-expression.

The festival opened doors for crucial conversations, such as "Film Financing and Distribution: Strategies, Challenges, and New Initiatives" and "Making Own Narratives: Perspectives of Indigenous Artists," giving filmmakers a much-needed platform to engage with their audience in meaningful dialogues. The panel discussions underscored the need for more inclusive narratives in global cinema and shed light on the challenges filmmakers face, especially those working with indigenous communities.

The Winners: Celebrating excellence and creativity

The closing ceremony, held yesterday at DrikPath Bhobon, celebrated outstanding cinematic talent. Among the prestigious winners was "Raven" by Zayed Siddiki, which won Best Short Fiction. 

"Water Lillies" by Chanho Lee claimed the Best Feature Fiction award, with the director expressing his heartfelt gratitude through a post on Facebook, saying, "It is a tremendous honour for me, and I am deeply grateful. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone at the film festival—the staff, the volunteers, and the audience members who make this celebration of cinema possible. I dedicate this honour to all the actors and crew members of 'Water Lilies'. Their passion, talent, and unwavering dedication have brought this film to life, and I am endlessly thankful to have shared this journey with them."

Some of the other winners of the festival include: "Wild Coast Warriors" by Nick Chevallier, Leigh Wood, Guido Zanghi, and Warren Smart, which clinched Best Feature Documentary. "Mama" by Nadia Nazar was awarded the Best Experimental Film. "Sound of Silence" by Soumik Bakshi Dipto, Irfanul Haque, Sanjida Swarna, and Pial Sarkar triumphed in the Best Student Film category.

These awards not only celebrate the exceptional talent on display but also highlight the festival's commitment to showcasing a rich diversity of voices and genres, from fiction to documentary, experimental to student works.

A platform for indigenous cinema and global storytelling

The Hill Film Festival, now in its sixth year, continues to be a vital platform for indigenous filmmakers from Bangladesh and beyond. While indigenous cinema in the Chittagong Hill Tracts has only gained traction in recent decades, the festival plays a pivotal role in promoting these voices and bringing their stories to the forefront of the global stage. The festival's focus on films from the Chittagong Hill Tracts has fostered a unique dialogue between indigenous communities and the larger global film industry, breaking down cultural barriers and creating an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

"Although filmmaking in the Chittagong Hill Tracts began in the 1990s, the region continues to produce a limited number of films," said Adit Dewan, one of the festival's programmers. "Due to the lack of regular screening platforms, these works often remain unfamiliar to both the local hill communities and the mainstream audience. The festival aims to bridge this gap, providing a stage for indigenous films and introducing them to wider audiences."

Shahidul Alam renowned photographer, and writer—delivered the closing remarks, offering words of inspiration to the filmmakers. 

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Looking ahead, the Hill Film Festival promises to continue its mission of fostering inclusivity, celebrating the rich tapestry of indigenous stories, and pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression. This year's edition has set the bar high, with a range of films that explore the intersections of culture, identity, and personal expression. As the festival grows, it will undoubtedly continue to catalyse change, encouraging more filmmakers from underrepresented communities to step into the spotlight.