The 24th Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) officially opened on Saturday evening with a ceremony at the Bangladesh National Museum.

Local and international filmmakers, cultural figures, diplomats, and media professionals attended the event. Films were screened simultaneously in two auditoriums, with the opening film Wu Jin Zhi Lu, directed by Chen Xiang, shown in the main auditorium. A Chinese film exhibition corner was also inaugurated to promote cultural exchange between Bangladesh and China.

The ceremony included a performance by Jaltaranga Theatre Company. Festival Director Ahmed Muztaba Jamal said: “Good cinema, good audience, good society.” Chinese Cultural Counsellor Lei Xiaopeng described the event as Chinese Film Week and emphasized cinema’s role as a bridge between cultures.

Croatia–UK filmmaker Aleksandra Markovic praised Bangladesh’s storytelling tradition in cinema. Interim government Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Water Resources; and Information and Broadcasting Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted cinema’s role in raising environmental awareness, promoting responsible behavior, and connecting people culturally to address social challenges.

This year, DIFF will screen 245 films from 91 countries between January 10 and 18. The festival will feature independent, international, and socially relevant films, providing a platform for filmmakers and offering audiences the opportunity to explore different cultures.

Screenings will take place at multiple venues in Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, including Alliance Française de Dhaka, Bangladesh National Museum, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Stamford University, 3D Art Gallery, Vintage Convention Hall, and Laboni Beach.

The opening ceremony ended with the participation of filmmakers, distinguished guests, and media representatives.