Preparations for the 24th Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) are well under way, with the event scheduled to run from January 10 to 18. The organisers confirmed the update in a press release issued on Saturday (22 November).
First launched in 1977 and held annually since 1992, the festival aims to promote quality filmmaking in Bangladesh while highlighting key trends in global cinema. As in previous years, the festival continues with its central theme: “Better Film, Better Audience, Better Society.”
A total of 267 films from 91 countries have been selected for this edition. They will be screened across nine categories: Asian Film Competition, Retrospective, World Angle, Bangladesh Panorama, Cinema of the World, Children’s Film Session, Women Filmmaker Category, Short and Independent Film and Spiritual Film and Open T Bioscope.
Screenings will take place at Alliance Française de Dhaka, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and the National Museum, with additional special screenings hosted at Stamford University and the University of Dhaka.
Several key events will accompany the festival, the most notable being the 12th Dhaka International Conference on Women in Cinema 2026. The conference, organised in collaboration with the Department of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Dhaka, will be held at the Dhaka Club on January 11 and 12.
Women filmmakers, performers and researchers from around the world are expected to attend, discussing global gender realities and the evolving roles of women in cinema.
The ‘West Meets East Screenplay Lab’ will also return from January 11 to 14. Previously limited to South Asian filmmakers, it has now been opened to emerging directors from across Asia. 10 selected participants will spend four days exchanging ideas with international mentors, after which their projects will be presented to producers, distributors and investors through FilmHaat.
Throughout the festival, visitors can also enjoy film and art exhibitions, alongside a series of masterclasses. This year’s masterclasses, featuring renowned filmmakers from India, Japan and Bangladesh, are scheduled for January 17.
Organisers noted that while preparations are progressing well, some aspects relating to sponsorship and financing remain unresolved. They expressed hope that these issues will be settled soon, ensuring smoother arrangements overall. They also called for the continued support of audiences, industry professionals and well-wishers.
Festival director Ahmed Mustafa Zaman stated that they are fully prepared to welcome audiences to all screenings and events, adding that the detailed programme will be announced shortly.
