Industry leaders to address challenges in Bangladeshi cinema
In an ambitious move to strengthen the future of Bangladesh's cinematic landscape, the Bangladesh Film Students' Association (BFSA) is set to host a National Film Conference at Dhaka University tomorrow. The conference, taking place at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, is set to be a landmark event for over 500 filmmakers, students, educators, and film professionals — all united in their vision for a brighter future for the Bangladeshi film industry.
Under the banner of the theme "Shongskarey Cholochitro, Poribortone Desh", the conference aims to tackle the urgent challenges lying ahead of the film sector in Bangladesh. The event is not just a gathering of minds but a call for action — one that seeks to ignite conversations on reinvigorating the country's filmmaking ecosystem, making it a powerful cultural and commercial force in the region.
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The conference will feature passionate voices from industry leaders and experts, including the chief guest, Information Technology Adviser Md Nahid Islam, as well as special guests, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Mahfuj Alam, special assistant to the chief adviser. Together, they will steer the dialogue toward concrete solutions that benefit filmmakers and the country's broader entertainment and cultural landscape.
For the first time, key topics that have long hindered the growth of Bangladesh's film industry will take centre stage. From outdated certification laws to the underdeveloped infrastructure of film distribution and exhibition, the conference will strive to dismantle the barriers preventing the industry from realising its full potential.
The need for a revamped Bangladesh Film Certification Law, a restructured Film Development Corporation, and improved digital distribution networks are just some of the pressing issues that will be explored. The discussion will also delve into the commercialisation of the industry, focusing on ticket sales, box office management, and revenue-sharing systems that currently limit the profitability of local films.
As the film industry grapples with these systemic challenges, the importance of film education will also be underscored. Expanding access to said education across the country and creating more opportunities for young filmmakers will be integral to the conversation.
The conference will also look at how an improved educational infrastructure can nurture future generations of filmmakers, technicians, and storytellers, ensuring that Bangladesh remains at the forefront of cinematic innovation.
Another critical point of discussion will be the development of Gazipur Film City, which holds immense promise as a hub for film production, not just in Bangladesh but across South Asia. The conference will explore how to make this vision a reality, offering a glimpse of what the future of Bangladeshi filmmaking could look like on the global stage.
Perhaps one of the most urgent issues to be discussed is the ongoing battle against piracy and the lack of government investment in the sector. Without robust protections against piracy and strategic support from the government, filmmakers are left vulnerable, and the industry's growth remains stunted. Conference attendees will work towards establishing an anti-piracy framework and advocate for increased government funding to bolster local film productions.
The National Film Conference aims to transcend political barriers, fostering a future where creativity, commerce, and culture thrive. By focusing on actionable solutions, it expects to elevate Bangladesh's film industry and secure its legacy for future generations.
For the attendees, it is an opportunity to transform the way the country sees its film industry by pushing boundaries, challenging old conventions, and sparking a cultural renaissance. In the words of one of the organisers, "This is the time for change, for a film industry that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh, while embracing the future of global cinema."
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