Usually known as a place for books, Shaheed Buddhijibi Smrity Pathagar is turning into a cinema venue for a day, bringing 13 short films by 13 young filmmakers under one roof.
The independent film showcase started on Friday, at 5pm at the library. The event will give audiences a chance to discover films made outside the mainstream industry, without the pull of big budgets or star power.
Instead, the young filmmakers are bringing their own stories, experiences, ideas and filmmaking dreams to the screen.
The showcase is jointly organised by Nakhalpara Film Society and Shaheed Buddhijibi Smrity Pathagar, with support from Friendly Neighbourhood Filmmakers.
The programme will open with Ahmed Hasan Sunny’s Song from the South. Twelve more short films will follow, with Boomerang, directed by the library’s office secretary Samia Jamin, closing the event.
Niamatul Islam, a committee member of Shaheed Buddhijibi Smrity Pathagar and president of Nakhalpara Film Society, said this is the first time they are organising such an event.
“The aim is to create a platform for young and independent filmmakers in Bangladesh. We want to show audiences different stories, experiences, thoughts and perspectives from various parts of the country,” he said.
“We believe film culture is one of the important mediums. Good cinema can make people more democratic and open-minded, while encouraging secularism and tolerance,” he added.
Singer and filmmaker Ahmed Hasan Sunny, popular actor Rizvi Rizu, Chorki executive producer Kanak Khondoker, who also served as chief assistant director on Dom starring Afran Nisho, and filmmakers from Friendly Neighbourhood Filmmakers will attend the event.
