The Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies (BFFS) is set to organise the National Film Society Conference 2026 on May 16 at the Bangladesh Film Archive in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The daylong conference will begin at 10:00 am and bring together representatives from more than 100 film societies across the country, alongside organisers and independent filmmakers. Discussions will centre on the current state of Bangladesh’s film society movement, the challenges it faces and future plans for strengthening film culture nationwide.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan is expected to attend the opening session as chief guest. At the closing ceremony, awards will be presented by Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Adviser on Policy, Information and Culture to the Prime Minister.
The conference will also include film screenings and special discussion sessions. Two Bangladeshi films, Barir Naam Shahana directed by Leesa Gazi and the Liberation War-based Nakshi Kanthar Zamin by Akram Khan, will be screened during the event.
Separate panel discussions titled ‘Film societies outside Dhaka’ and ‘University-based film societies’ will also be held, where grassroots organisers are expected to share their experiences and perspectives.
As part of the conference, two awards will be presented in recognition of contributions to the film movement: the BFFS Medal 2025 for Organisation of the Year and the Film Society Honour 2026, the federation’s lifetime achievement award. Organisers will also publish a special commemorative publication marking the occasion.
Established in 1973, the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies has long served as the central organisation of the country’s film society movement.
Alongside promoting film culture and audience development, the organisation also plays a role in selecting Bangladesh’s submission for the Academy Awards.
Organisers said they hope the conference will provide new direction for the development of Bangladesh’s film ecosystem.
