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The 16th International Children’s Film Festival Bangladesh came to a splendid close at the National Art Gallery auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Saturday. The ceremony was graced by Asaduzzaman Noor, former cultural affairs minister and Awami League lawmaker, who presided as the chief guest.
The event saw the presence of esteemed personalities including Morshedul Islam, the founder of Children’s Film Society Bangladesh, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, its president, Munira Morshed Munni, the general secretary, and Shahriar Al Mamun, the festival director.
The opening ceremony was marked by the rendition of the national anthem, the hoisting of the flag, and a vibrant display of balloons and kites. Dr Hasan Mahmud, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, presided over the inauguration, joined by other distinguished guests.
The latter part of the programme included insightful speeches from prominent figures, including Filmmaker and Founder Morshedul Islam, President Author Dr Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, and General Secretary Munira Morshed Munni from Children's Film Society.
Salah Uddin Ahmed, the secretary of BSA, and Shahriar Al Mamun, the festival director, added their presence to the occasion. The opening ceremony culminated with the screening of the film "Aam Kathaler Chhuti", directed by Mohammad Nuruzzaman.
Awards were presented in two categories during the ceremony. In the Bangladeshi Children Filmmaker category, Amitrakhar Biswas secured the first prize for the film ‘Lullaby’, while Mohammad Niaz Hasan received the second prize for ‘Order’. The third prize was jointly awarded to Irtija Alam Joyeeta and Aminul Islam Niloy for their film ‘Euphoric Paranoia’. In the Bangladeshi Youth Filmmaker category, Mustak Muzahid emerged victorious with his film ‘Prothasiddho’, while Novera Hasan Nikkon claimed the second prize for ‘Aguan-Sun Behind the Horizon’.
The festival, which commenced on September 7, showcased an impressive selection of 101 films from 40 countries, including Bangladesh, Argentina, India, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Spain, and many others.
