Bangladesh to have first ever ‘stall’ at Cannes

Bangladesh is set to make its debut appearance at the Cannes International Film Festival with a stall, aiming to showcase the country’s films to the world stage. Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Joint General Secretary of Awami League, confirmed this news during a meeting with the Bangladesh Film Journalist Association (BACHSAS) on April 30.

He also mentioned that the much-awaited biopic on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, ‘Mujib: The Making of a Nation’, might be screened at the prestigious film festival.

Dr. Hasan Mahmud appreciated the contribution of BACHSAS for the development of the film industry and the continuous culture of honouring artistes through the BACHSAS film award system.

During the meeting, the BACHSAS leaders requested certain demands, including the allocation of a room for BACHSAS in the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) and involving representatives from the association in various committees under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in foreign tours. The minister provided assurance to consider the issues raised by them.

Dr. Hasan Mahmud also highlighted the progress of the film industry in Bangladesh, mentioning that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has established a BDT 1,000crore easy loan fund for the construction and renovation of cinema halls. The Shilpi Kalyan Trust has also been formed for film artistes, and new buildings in BFDC are under construction at a fast pace. The new building will have four floors for shooting, where an entire film can be shot. In addition, after the completion of Bangabandhu Film City in Gazipur, films can also be made there.