Dhaka University’s Film Society wrapped up its annual Amar Bhashar Chalachitra festival on Sunday evening, celebrating films in the spirit of Bangladesh’s Language Movement. Monirul Haque Akash’s ‘The University of Chankharpul’ emerged as the standout of the festival, winning the prestigious Hiralal Sen Award 1432 as well as the Best Screenplay accolade.
The six-day festival, held at Dhaka University’s Teachers-Students Centre, began on February 3, showcasing 20 feature films and three short films, both contemporary and classic works. Festival-goers enjoyed a diverse programme, ranging from political narratives to experimental cinema, reflecting the rich heritage of Bangladeshi film.
Film critic Bidhan Rebeiro presented the Hiralal Sen Award to Akash, who expressed his delight at receiving recognition for the second time after his earlier accolade at the Dhaka International Film Festival. “Receiving an award is always a joy. It adds to the happiness of the work. It is an honour to be recognised once again,” he said.
Tamim Noor’s ‘Utshob’ also shone at the festival, securing awards for Best Director, Cinematography and Sound Design. The closing ceremony was attended by Dhaka Doc Lab director Tarek Ahmed and Professor Habiba Rahman, moderator of the Dhaka University Film Society.
The festival opened with Ahmed Hasan Sunny’s politically charged film, ‘Ekhane Rajnoitik Alap Joruri’, which has been screening in cinemas across Bangladesh since 16 January. Other highlights included screenings of classics and contemporary works such as Sunil Bandyopadhyay’s ‘Deya Neya’, Alamgir Kabir’s ‘Surjo Konna’, Raihan Rafi’s ‘Tandoob’ and Tareque Masud’s ‘Muktir Gaan’.
Sunday’s closing programme featured screenings of three feature films and three short films, including Belal Ahmed’s ‘Noyoner Alo’, Kazi Hayat’s ‘Dhor’, Mahfuz Sharif’s ‘Maya: The Name We Call’ and the finale, Kolkata-based Joybrat Das’s ‘The Academy of Fine Arts’.
The festival has become a prominent platform for filmmakers to honour the country’s cinematic legacy while exploring contemporary issues. This year’s edition highlighted both the enduring influence of classic cinema and the promise of new voices in Bangladeshi film.
