Bangladesh Short and Documentary Film Fest begins

The weeklong Bangladesh Short and Documentary Film Festival 2016 began yesterday (September 2) at all the 64 District Shilpakala Academies. Organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), it is being assisted by Federation of Film Societies of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Short Film Forum and Bangladesh Documentary Council. This year, the festival features a total of 84 films and will continue till October 8. 

Asaduzzaman Noor, cultural affairs minister, inaugurated the festival as the chief guest while noted filmmakers Syed Salahuddin Zaki, Morshedul Islam and Manzare Hasin Murad attended the inaugural ceremony as special guests. Liaquat Ali Lucky, DG, BSA, presided over the programme while Jahangir Hossain Chowdhury, Secretary of BSA, delivered welcome address.  

The aim of this year's festival is to provide a platform for young filmmakers for making standard films that will ultimately help practise the culture of Bangladesh. 

A five-member selection committee has chosen 35 short films and 29 documentaries for screening from 200 submissions. Besides, 11 previously-made documentaries with nine short films have been selected for screening at the festival.

The festival includes three competitive sections. This year the organisers will confer Best Short Film and Best Documentary along with Best Director and Special Jury awards for both short film and documentary categories. A five-member jury will select the best film duo that will receive Taka 1 lakh each while the director duo will receive Taka 50,000 each as award money.