A two-day film festival organised by ESDI Film Society began in Barishal on 25 September.
The festival was inaugurated at 4pm at the auditorium of Barishal District Shilpakala Academy by Dr Zahidul Islam Kochi, president of the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies.
The opening ceremony was attended by federation general secretary Mohammad Nurullah, filmmakers Muhammad Kaiyum and Khandakar Sumon, and actor Haider Ali.
S M Sabbir Newaz Sagar chaired the event, while ESDI Film Society president Jasim Uddin Emon delivered the welcome address.
The opening session was followed by screenings of Tanim Noor’s Bonolota Express and Khandakar Sumon’s National Film Award-winning Satao.
On the festival’s first edition, Sumon described the event as a historic moment for Barishal. Nurullah said the festival could potentially grow into an international film festival in the coming years.
On the second day, 26 September, a film workshop will be held at 11am, featuring masterclasses by award-winning filmmakers Muhammad Kaiyum and Khandakar Sumon.
Four films, including Kura Pakhir Shunye Ura and The University of Chankharpul, will also be screened in the afternoon.
