Govt to work to revive Dhaka’s fading film industry

The government will work to revive the country’s film industry, which has lost much of its former vibrancy due to a lack of patronage, said State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam today (22 August).

He made the remarks at the opening of a film festival at Madhumita Cinema Hall in Motijheel, Dhaka, organised as part of the “Hridoye Dhaka 416” festival.

Speaking as chief guest, Prime Minister’s Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon said he was pleased to honour veteran artists whose performances had inspired generations. He described presenting awards to such artists as a rare experience.

He said films can become a powerful medium for promoting patriotism, public welfare and human values. Ensuring livelihoods and professional security for people working in the film industry cannot be left to them alone, he said, calling for proper patronage and policy support.

Presiding over the event, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam said people must embrace Dhaka, which has a rich history, heritage and culture closely linked to the film industry.

He said preserving language, literature, heritage and culture is essential to a nation’s progress. The contributions of films and songs to the Language Movement and Liberation War must not be forgotten, he added.

“The heritage and language of Dhaka have not been presented as they should have been. Work will be done on this in the future,” he said.

As part of the “Hridoye Dhaka 416” festival, 13 significant and heritage films selected from the early days of Dhaka’s film industry will be screened over a week.

The festival will also honour 58 prominent artists and film professionals, including veteran and new actors, directors, writers, musicians, lyricists and cinematographers, for their contributions to cinema.

The month-long “Hridoye Dhaka 416” festival is being organised to mark the 416th anniversary of Dhaka under the theme “In celebration, in pride, in responsibility”.