A new chapter is set to begin for Bangladesh’s film industry with the launch of the country’s first Migration Film Festival 2026. The festival will focus on films exploring migration, displacement, dreams, struggle, identity, separation, homecoming and the search for a new life.
The organisers have already announced the festival’s official selection. Following a rigorous evaluation process, they selected 23 films from numerous submissions received from Bangladesh and abroad. Of those, 13 films have been chosen for the National category and 10 for the International category. The festival jury will select winners across several categories from the official selection.
Although migration stories differ across the world, they often share common themes of hope, uncertainty, separation from family and the pursuit of a better future. The festival aims to present these human experiences through cinema. By bringing together films from Bangladesh and other countries on a single platform, the event also promises to offer a unique experience for film enthusiasts.
Among the films selected for this year’s official line-up is Boidesh, directed by Ivan Monowar, with Sabbir Ahmed Srabon serving as creative director. The filmmakers and the production team described the official selection as an important recognition of their creative work.
Bangladesh’s first Migration Film Festival 2026 will take place on 29 July 2026 at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka. Throughout the day, audiences will be able to watch the officially selected local and international films on the big screen. The festival will also feature the participation of filmmakers, audience discussions and a celebration of cinema.
The Boidesh team has invited film lovers, well-wishers, cultural activists, media professionals and audiences to attend the festival. They expressed hope that the film, which explores the important social and humanitarian issue of migration, will encourage discussion and leave audiences with lasting reflections.
Director Ivan Monowar said, “Being selected for the official line-up is a matter of great joy and pride for our entire team. The opportunity to showcase our work at an international-standard event like this is truly inspiring.”
Creative director Sabbir Ahmed Srabon said, “Migration is not only about crossing geographical borders. It is also a story of dreams, memories, love, sacrifice and identity. Boidesh is our attempt to capture those human emotions through cinema. Having our film included in the official selection of Bangladesh’s first Migration Film Festival is a great honour for the entire team.”
The organisers described the country’s first Migration Film Festival as more than a film event. They said it will serve as an important meeting point for art, culture and humanitarian values centred on the many dimensions of migration. They also expressed hope that the festival will help introduce Bangladeshi cinema to wider international audiences and inspire a new generation of filmmakers.
The Boidesh team also congratulated all the selected filmmakers, artists and crew members and said they look forward to meeting everyone at the festival.
