As cinemas in Dhaka remain relatively quiet amid a shortage of new releases, the historic Modhumita Cinema Hall is bringing back a selection of popular Bengali films for a week-long festival marking Dhaka’s 416th anniversary.
Titled Hridoye Dhaka 416, the festival will begin on 22 August at Modhumita Cinema Hall in Motijheel, offering audiences the chance to revisit 13 acclaimed films from different eras of Bangla cinema.
The festival was announced at a press conference organised by Dhaka South City Corporation.
City Corporation administrator and freedom fighter Abdus Salam shared details of the event.
The festival will be inaugurated by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan.
Culture Deputy Minister Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam and Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman will attend as special guests.
The seven-day festival will open at 6pm on 22 August with Mukh O Mukhosh, widely recognised as Bangladesh’s first full-length feature film.
On 23 August, Nawab Sirajuddaula will be screened at 3pm, followed by 13 No.
Feku Ostagar Lane at 6pm. On 24 August, audiences can watch Jibon Theke Neya at 3pm and Nantu Ghatak at 6pm.
The schedule continues on 25 August with Ashikkhito at 3pm and Rangbaaz at 6pm.
On 26 August, Sabuj Sathi will be screened at 3pm, followed by Nacher Putul at 6pm.
On the sixth day, 27 August, Durdesh will be shown at 3pm and Dahan at 6pm.
The festival will conclude on 28 August with Dost Dushman at 3pm and Badhu Biday at 6pm.
The closing day will also feature a special recognition ceremony honouring 58 individuals for their contributions to Bangladesh’s film and cultural sectors.
The recipients will include actors, directors, writers, musicians, music directors, lyricists and cinematographers.
A committee has been formed to oversee the festival, with Dhaka South City Corporation Region-2 regional executive officer Akhtar Unnesa Shiuly serving as convener.
Actress Dilara Zaman, producer Abdul Aziz, actor Shiba Sanu and journalist Ahmed Tepantor are among the members.
At a time when audiences are waiting for fresh releases, Hridoye Dhaka 416 offers a chance to reconnect with the stories, characters and songs that shaped generations of Bangladeshi cinema.
For Modhumita, the week-long celebration could turn nostalgia into a renewed cinematic experience for Dhaka audiences.
