Off to Cannes: Representing Bangladesh in the world’s biggest film fest
The star-studded Cannes Film Festival kicked off on May 17, 2022, celebrating all things international film and the actors, directors, and crew behind the scenes.
Last year's event took place in July, after being postponed to allow for an in-person ceremony during the pandemic. The 2021 event came after the festival was cancelled altogether the year before due to Covid-19.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Last year was memorable for Bangladeshi director Abdullah Mohammad Saad and actress Azmeri Haque Badhon, as their film, "Rehana Maryam Noor" earned worldwide acclaim, starting with the Cannes Film Festival, a first for Bangladesh in the main category, which is a dream destination of any filmmaker. The film was screened at the festival's 'Un Certain Regard' section, and received a standing ovation.
Now, the red carpet has returned, with the festival running in the south of France until May 28.
French actor Vincent Lindon is the president of the jury of the 75th Cannes Film Festival. Joining him on the jury are actress Deepika Padukone, actress-director Rebecca Hall, Noomi Rapace and Italian actress-director Jasmine Trinca, as well as directors Asghar Farhadi, Ladj Ly, Jeff Nichols and Joachim Trier. The jury will announce the winners at a gala ceremony in Cannes on May 28.
This year, although no Bangladeshi films made it to the official selection, a number of films from the country will be showcased at the Cannes Market.
Nusrat Imrose Tisha and Arifin Shuvoo, who are starring in Shyam Benegal's Bangabandhu biopic, "Mujib: The Making of a Nation", will be there for the teaser launch of the film in the Marché du Film Commercial Branch at the Indian pavilion, today. The venue has been decorated with posters of the film for the same.
"This is my first time going to the Cannes Film Festival. It's like a dream," shared Shuvoo, who will be playing the role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the biopic. "It's not just a great honour for me, it's an honour for my country."
Tisha is travelling with her four-month-old daughter, Ilham Nusrat Farooki. "Traveling to Cannes as a babysitter! Tisha is going for the trailer launch of her film Mujib. And me a babysitter! Very new and beautiful role for me!", wrote Mostofa Sarwar Farooki on his verified Facebook profile, alongside a photograph of himself with Tisha, on the flight.
In addition, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud is expected to attend the teaser launch of the Bangladesh-India joint production, along with India's Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, and the director of the film, among many others.
Last year, Nuhash Humayun's upcoming debut feature film, "Moving Bangladesh", was invited to Marché du Film - Festival de Cannes. The business counterpart to the Cannes Film Festival, Marché du Film is the world's biggest film market.
This year, the horror short film, "Moshari", directed by Nuhash, has been selected for Marché du Film - Festival de Cannes & SITGES Festival International de Cinema Fantàstic de Catalunya's Fantastic 7 section.
Launched in 2019, Fantastic 7 is designed to foster emerging filmmakers and connect them with potential business partners in Cannes for funding and co-production opportunities. Every year, seven top-notch festivals – dedicated to highlighting genre cinema and talents –select seven genre projects to be showcased at the Marché du Film.
Bangladeshi actor Ananta Jalil, along with his wife actress Afia Nusrat Barsha, are also attending the 75th edition of the festival to promote their films, "Din - The Day" and "Netri - The Leader."
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