Mahde Hasan’s debut feature “Balur Nagorite”, internationally titled “Sand City”, has won the prestigious Proxima Grand Prix at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival—marking another proud achievement for the country. The film stars Mostafa Monwar and Victoria Chakma in lead roles, with Monwar portraying the character of Hasan. Speaking to The Daily Star from the festival, the actor shared his reactions, insights into the filmmaking process, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Two Bangladeshi films have been officially selected for the 33rd edition of the Raindance Film Festival in the United Kingdom. Nuhash Humayun’s “Dui Shaw” and Maksud Hossain’s “Saba” will be screened under the Narrative Feature category at the prestigious event.

The film “Saba” has been selected for the competition section of the 20th Osaka Asian Film Festival in Japan. Director Maksud Hossain shared, “There will be three screenings of the film in Osaka. I will also be attending the festival.” The festival is set to begin on March 14 and will run until March 23.

Indian filmmaker Aniket Dutta is directing a film titled “The Clouds Wake No Clocks,” centred on the journey of a refugee family. The screenplay, co-written by Aniket Dutta and Roshni Sen, features Bangladeshi actors Mostafa Monwar and Deepanwita Martin in leading roles. 

Renowned Bangladeshi actress Mehazabien Chowdhury continues to make her mark on the global stage, this time capturing the attention of fans and media alike with a memorable appearance at the fourth Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

At the outset of the anti-discrimination student movement, only a few artistes voiced their support. Among those who did was actress Safa Kabir, who felt a sense of duty and stepped out of her comfort zone to ask, “Why are these kids being beaten on the roads?” She also suggested that these students are young and need to be dealt with love, not aggression, leaving her message to the protestors, “Dear students, I’m with you all.”

The Bangladeshi feature film “Mathar Bhethor Apple Gachh” (An Apple Tree Inside The Head) is set to have its world premiere in Melbourne, Australia. The film has been officially selected for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), where it will be screened for the first time on August 21.

“Payer Tolay Mati Nai” presents a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of the devastating impacts of climate change.

Their recreation has already accumulated well wishes and accolades from peers and fans alike, with many looking forward to watching the film.

OTT platforms have taken the Bangladeshi entertainment industry by storm, redefining how stories are told and experienced. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, these digital platforms emerged as beacons of creative freedom, offering an expansive universe of borderless content and thematic diversity. Even veteran actors, who had long thrived on traditional mediums like television and cinema, found a new avenue to showcase their talent and delve into uncharted narratives.