Under the Theme “Better Film, Better Audience, Better Society”, the 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) Opened with 220 films from 75 countries across 5 venues. The Inaugural Ceremony was held at the main auditorium of the National Museum on 11 January 2025 Saturday.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, the chief guest Md. Nahid Islam, Honorable Information and Broadcasting Advisor to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, entered the auditorium after inaugurating the poster exhibition corner of Chinese films. The special guests of the event were Yao Wen, Honorable Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Bangladesh, and Mr. Shu Yang, Director of the International Department of the Chinese Film Administration. The opening ceremony was also chaired by Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, Executive Member of the Festival Committee, and Ahmed Mujtaba Jamal, Festival Director.
The opening song was performed by the renowned Bangladeshi band Jol Gaan, which captivated the audience. After that, the chief guest, special guests, the president of the event, and the festival director took their seats on the stage.
Mr. Shu Yang, Director of the International Department of the Chinese Film Administration, spoke first. He thanked the Rainbow Film Society Authority for inviting him to the festival. Several new films have arrived here through the Chinese Embassy, which are particularly beneficial for Chinese filmmakers.
Then, the Honorable Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Bangladesh, Mr. Yao Wen, in his speech, said that the Dhaka International Film Festival is a medium for vibrant cultural exchange between Bangladesh and different countries. Along with this event in Dhaka, various events have started in China to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China. Along with a total of 15 films, the domestic production teams will be able to get acquainted with 15 Chinese film production teams at the festival.
The chief guest, Honorable Information and Broadcasting Advisor to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Md. Nahid Islam, in his speech said that the Dhaka International Film Festival is a medium for developing minds. Through this, we can get acquainted with different filmmakers from around the world by watching their films. We can get an idea about the culture of their country.
The closing speech of the event was delivered by Mr. Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission and Executive Member of the Festival Committee. He said that if this festival is included in the list for regular allocation of funds from the Ministry of Finance and Information and Broadcasting, then the worries about the festival every year will no longer exist.
After that, the Chinese film “Moon Man” directed by Qiu Zhang was shown as the opening film this year.
The 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival will continue until 19 January.
The Women in Cinema Conference will be held at the Samson Lounge of the Dhaka Club on 12 and 13 January 2025.
The masterclass will be held for the third time on17 and 18 January at the Cineplex Auditorium of the National Museum.
The Closing Ceremony of the festival will be held on 19 January 2025, at the main auditorium of the National Museum.
