Demand for gender equality in films

The fourth Dhaka international Conference took an empowering stand as key figures in cinema raised their voices on gender equality in film. Titled “Women in Cinema”, the conference began on Saturday (January 13) is part of the 16th Dhaka International Film Festival.

The two-day conference was inaugurated by State Minister of Information Tarana Halim as chief guest and chaired by State Minister of Foregin Affrais Shahriar Alam. Halim, who had an illustrious career in television and film - stated that more participation from women will contribute in making a world respectful towards gender equality. State Minister of Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam also assured that Dhaka is ready to boost women participation in the film industry.

The opening day also had US writer-educator Sydney Levine and Turkish filmmaker Alin Tasciyan as speakers. Six topics were discussed over six sessions of the conference, including “How to sustain Gender Equality in Cinema”, “Women in Avant-Garde Cinema”, and “Perception of South Asian Women by Western Women through Cinema”.

Tajik filmmaker Dr Sharofat M Arabova, Indian directors Aparajita Ghosh and Dr. Debjani Halder, Iranian researcher Nazanin Kaynejad among other eminent cinema experts presented keynote papers in the sessions.

The Dhaka International Film Festival, organised by Rainbow Film Society, is being held from January 12-20 at the National Museum, Central Public Library, Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, Russian Cultural Centre, and Star Cineplex, where a total of 216 movies from 64 countries are being screened.