Speakers, including state minister for information and broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury and information and broadcasting ministry adviser to the prime minister Zahed Ur Rahman, said on Sunday that the Bangladesh Film Archive needs investment to be further modernised and updated to preserve the country’s audiovisual resources.
They noted that despite financial and technical limitations, there is ample scope for digitalising and preserving national and international films.
They made these remarks at an event marking the 48th founding anniversary of the archive. Originally established as the ‘Film Institute and Archive’ on May 17, 1978, under the ministry of information, it was officially renamed the Bangladesh Film Archive in 1984.
Chaired by Bangladesh film archive director general M Javed Iqbal, the event was attended by film directors, producers, actors, journalists, and activists, alongside government officials from various organisations under the ministry.
Yasser Khan Choudhury, who attended as a special guest, said that the activities of the archive would be further modernised and updated to preserve the country’s audiovisual resources.
‘The government is committed to preserving culture and heritage and is providing the necessary support for film preservation, digitisation, and the expansion of research-based activities,’ he said, adding that archive donations and technological support need to be received without hesitation.
Pointing out the cultural sector’s limited budget, Zahed Ur Rahman stated that the Archive must find innovative ways like seminars, special screenings, and an increase in research to engage with the masses.
He explained that the archive can highlight national tradition and heritage by showcasing renowned films that achieved massive popularity despite severe technical and resource constraints.
He further observed that the global success of Iranian and Korean cinema under restrictive conditions offers a valuable blueprint for Bangladeshi filmmakers.
The discussion followed an award giving ceremony and open discussion on the role of the archive at the venue.
