Showcasing extraordinary tales of ordinary women

(L-R) Dr Hameeda Hossain, Jacques-André Costilhes, Begum Selima Rahman and Catherine Masud at the inaugural. PHOTO: STAR

Noted cultural personalities and film enthusiasts attended the inaugural function, chaired by the State Minister for Cultural Affairs, Begum Selima Rahman. Special guest at the event was the French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jacques-André Costilhes. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Dr Hameeda Hossain, chairperson of the Festival Advisory Committee, Catherine Masud, coordinator of the committee and Mirka Christina Rahman, director of Star Cineplex.

In his speech, the French Ambassador said, "The 12 films to be shown at the festival have certain aspects in common. They have all received financial and technical assistance from the 'South Fund' (a fund created by the French Government to encourage quality movie-making in developing countries). Incidentally, 'South Fund' has stepped into its 21st year in 2005. Another common attribute of these films is that they narrate the extraordinary struggles of ordinary women."

The chief guest said, "The focus of these films -- the struggle of women -- is close to my heart. It is also heartening to see that several of these movies feature the intricate cultures of Muslim countries around the world."

Dr Hameeda Hossaid, in her speech, said, "Although these films are about women and their struggle, at the core is the eternal quest for peace. The issue is especially significant in today's divided world. These movies also speak of freedom. In this month of December when we as a nation attained freedom, the advisory committee of the festival hopes these films will ignite the spirit of freedom among all of us."

The event wrapped up with a screening of West Beyrouth by Ziad Doueiri (Lebanon). Other films to be screened are: The Quagmire (Argentina), Matir Moina by Tareque Masud (Bangladesh), Khamosh Pani by Sabiha Sumar (Pakistan), Luna Papa by Bakhtiar Khudojnazarov (Tadjikistan), Divine Intervention by Elia Suleiman (Palestine), Ali Zaoua by Nabil Ayouch (Morocco), Rice people by Rithy Panh (Combodia), Hyenas by Djibril Diop Mambety (Senegal), Zulu Love Letter by Ramadan Suleman (South Africa), Platform by Jia Zhangke (China) and Silence of the Palace by Moufida Tlatli (Tunisia).