Industry asks for continuity and equal access
Bangladesh Film Development Corporation opened a new chapter on Tuesday evening as it unveiled a fully digitised Business Automation Service alongside an upgraded Cine-Archive, a renovated sound recording studio and the restored Jharna Spot. The inauguration drew artists, technicians and policymakers from across generations, turning the BFDC premises into a rare meeting ground of hope, frustration and long-awaited reform.
Presiding over the event, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana welcomed guests before inviting the chief guest, Mahfuj Alam, Information and Broadcasting Advisor to the Government. The atmosphere was part-celebration, part reckoning: the industry knows this transformation has been delayed for years, and many in attendance wanted assurances that it would not stop halfway.
Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed
In his address, Mahfuj Alam did not shy away from the struggle behind the upgrades. "It was very, very difficult to come to this stage of development," he said, underscoring the challenge of allocating budget in a sector long overshadowed by competing priorities. "Automation has begun, but the governing body must ensure equal access so that no syndicate or group benefits alone."
The new Business Automation Service is designed to digitise BFDC's entire workflow — a shift that could finally move filmmakers away from the notorious paper-based delays that have slowed productions for decades. BFDC director (Technical) Mamunur Rashid explained the urgency: "BFDC simply didn't have the capacity with its old labs and facilities to support today's filmmakers. This 360-degree automation system is vital for the country's production environment." The older analogue cameras and lenses have now been placed in a small museum on the premises, signalling a symbolic break from the past.
Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed
The Cine-Archive, built on the foundation of the old Zahir Raihan Colour Lab, has been upgraded to preserve films that risked disappearing through neglect, while the renovated sound studio brings long-needed improvements for post-production.
Managing director Masuma Rahman Tani described the modernisation as deeply personal. "This feels like a child to me. BFDC is the birthplace of Bengali cinema, and we thank the Advisor and the Ministry for protecting and preserving it. BFDC must become an easy home for filmmakers, actors, technicians and creative people — and we need the capacity to support them."
Yet several speakers reminded the government that upgrades alone cannot rescue the industry. Shahin Sumon of the Chalachitra Kalyan Samity voiced a sentiment widely shared in the audience. "We have been neglected for a long time. Automation is only the first step — the sector must be strengthened further." Actor Bapparaz urged policymakers to ensure the reforms survive political transitions: "Please make sure development continues even after your term. The next government must carry this forward."
Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed
In response, Mahfuj Alam outlined a longer-term vision that extends beyond infrastructure. He wants BFDC to evolve into a centre for research, training and development, while large-scale shooting is shifted to a proposed Film City under a public-private partnership. "My dream is an ecosystem where any creative person is supported — from script and production to distribution," he said. He also plans to revise government grant policies so that emerging directors, not established names, receive priority. "More regional films like 'Shuticup' and 'Delupi' should be made. They speak to people across the country in their own language."
The evening closed with cultural performances — patriotic songs, modern music, comedy, acting and dance — echoing the many eras of Bengali cinema that shaped the crowd gathered under the winter sky. Before the programme ended, the trailer of Ahmad Hasan Sunny's upcoming feature "Ekti Rajnoitik Alap Joruri" was unveiled, drawing attention from younger filmmakers present.
