Sheikh Arif Bulbon :
The 14th International Short and Independent Film Festival began on Saturday. Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith MP inaugurated the festival as the chief guest, while Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu was also present as special guest on the occasion. Noted Chinese filmmaker Dr Shee Fee, Chairman of the festival committee and noted theatre personality Nasir Uddin Yusuff Bachchu and festival director Syed Imran Hossain Kirmani, among others, were present at the inauguration.
In the festival, it is expected to screen approximately 550 films, with participation from around 109 countries including the United States, UK, Canada and Russia.
Five films will be screened everyday in various locations during December 3 to 10, including at the Public Library from 11:00am to 7:00pm, Bangladesh National Museum from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, and at the Sufia Kamal auditorium, the Dance and Music auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm everyday.
Additionally, the films being screened from December 3 to 6 in Dhaka will also be screened at the Lalon Moncho and Boro Kuthi Moncho in Rajshahi at the same time.
Parallel to the event, the festival committee has also organised an International Conference and film screening of Truth, justice and genocide at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro on December 9 as well as a film competition.
This year’s festival is dedicated to the prominent writer Syed Shamsul Haq and Hiralal Sen, who is generally considered to be one of India’s first filmmakers.
