Film activists at a conference on Saturday stated that the development of film culture, education, and the industry requires government initiatives rather than bureaucratic control.
During the event held at the Bangladesh Film Archive in the capital, they also demanded that the government revoke screening permissions and cease intervening whenever objections are raised against a specific film.
The Jatiya Chalachitra Sangshad Sommelon, organised by the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies alongside the Bangladesh Film Archive, was inaugurated by information and broadcasting minister Zahir Uddin Swapan with the participation of 112 film organisations from across the country.
At the opening ceremony, Bangladesh Film Archive director general M Javed Iqbal attended as a special guest, federation general secretary Mohammad Nurullah delivered the welcome speech, and president Zahirul Islam Kochi chaired the event.
Mohammad Nurullah mentioned that the conference has been a powerful platform for the nation.s independent filmmakers since 1973.
‘We need government permission to organise nationwide film festivals, including international, regional, and specialised screenings, and the government should reduce bureaucratic complications in organising these events,’ he said.
He added that to reduce costs, independent filmmakers should be allowed to sell tickets for their films.
Zahirul Islam Kochi said that the government would create a supportive environment for culture, and that the state would not hinder their work.
M Javed Iqbal said that advancements in technology have changed the preservation process, adding the archive also works with film societies and clubs to foster film culture in society.
Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that his government intends to move forward by involving everyone in the process of rebuilding the nation and society.
‘While intellectual products constitute the soft power of civilization, most states fail to patronise them,’ he noted.
He assured that they would attempt to enact laws and regulations supportive of art and society, concluding that art must distance itself from propaganda to cultivate free thinking.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of a lifetime achievement award to film critic and art educator Moinuddin Khaled.
The day-long conference, which featured view exchange meetings on regional film clubs and university-based film organisations alongside film screenings, concluded with a closing ceremony attended by the prime minister’s information and broadcasting adviser, Zahed Ur Rahman, as the chief guest.
