The Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) is sharpening its global focus for its 2026 edition, bringing in a wider range of international voices for its Asian Films Competition jury. At the centre of this year’s panel is Bangladeshi actor and architect Aupee Karim, whose appointment reflects the festival’s growing ambition to position Dhaka as a hub for Asian cinema.
Karim joins five film professionals from across Europe and Asia, each with a strong track record in international filmmaking. The jury features Norwegian producer Ingrid Lill Høgtun, noted for her work on cross-border co-productions, and Italian producer and distributor Lydia Genchi, a familiar name on the European festival circuit. Malaysian media strategist Teng Lee Yein brings experience in regional content development, while Turkish director Reis Çelik adds decades of filmmaking and journalistic insight.
The Asian Films Competition, one of DIFF’s flagship segments, showcases fictional works from across the continent, with entries required to run between 70 and 100 minutes. Films produced in 2025 will be eligible, with late-2024 productions considered on a case-by-case basis. The jury will present awards in six categories, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Script. Winners receive a crest and certificate.
Now entering its 24th year, DIFF continues to widen its footprint in the festival landscape. The 2026 edition will run from January 10 to 18, with screenings planned for Alliance Française de Dhaka, Stamford University Bangladesh, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and the Bangladesh National Museum Auditorium.
Organisers say the strengthened jury board signals the festival’s commitment to deeper international engagement as it prepares to welcome filmmakers and audiences to Dhaka in January.
