The Bangladesh Film Societies Federation (BFSF) is set to launch with the aim of establishing the rights of independent film workers and making the country’s film society movement more organised, stronger and more dynamic.
The announcement was made at a preparatory meeting held at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) on Wednesday, 2 September.
The federation will work to present cinema not only as entertainment, but also as a powerful medium of art, literature, culture and social change.
It will also seek to preserve and develop the long-standing tradition of the film society movement and highlight its importance to the younger generation.
Joint convener Jibon Shahadat said the federation would create an effective communication network among film societies operating in different parts of the country.
It will organise film screenings, festivals, workshops, seminars, discussions and training programmes.
The federation will also focus on generating public interest in world cinema, building audiences for alternative and creative films, and involving young people in film appreciation and practice.
“Film societies across the country have been conducting film-related and cultural activities through their own initiatives for years. The federation is being formed to bring these organisations under a common umbrella and strengthen the movement through cooperation and coordination,” Shahadat said.
The federation’s leaders expressed hope that the organisation would open new possibilities in Bangladesh’s film and cultural sectors and play an important role in promoting healthy and creative cultural activities centred on film societies.
At the preparatory meeting, a seven-member convening committee was formed unanimously.
Barua Manojit Dhiman, general secretary of Dhaka Film Club and a film producer, was named convener, while Saimon Tarik, president of Bangladesh Film Welfare Society, was appointed member secretary.
The other members are Jibon Shahadat, general secretary of Bengal Film Society, and Mohammad Selim, president of Cox’s Bazar Film Club, as joint conveners and joint member secretary respectively; and members Shakil Bin Mostak, president of Children Film Club; Mohammad Jahangir Hossain, president of Kushtia Film Club; and Mohammad Mehedi Hasan, president of Pink Asia Film Society.
