Dr Imran Firdaus, assistant professor in the Department of Media and Communication at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), has been appointed to the Bangladesh National Film Grant Subcommittee.
The announcement was made via a circular from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on October 7, 2024.
The seven-member subcommittee will support the ten-member National Film Grant Committee in overseeing government-funded film projects for the fiscal year 2024-25.
Its responsibilities include assessing the quality of incomplete films from previous grants and ongoing projects, reviewing rush prints, and recommending the release of the second installment of funds.
Additionally, the subcommittee will provide overall assistance to the National Film Grant Committee and make decisions based on updated policies, remaining effective until a new committee is established.
The subcommittee is headed by the Additional Secretary (Films) from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, with the Deputy Secretary (Films-2) serving as the member secretary.
Joining Dr Firdaus on the subcommittee are expert members Reffat Ferdous, Assistant Professor in the Department of Television, Film and Photography at the University of Dhaka, Md Abid Mallick, director and producer, and Mehedi Hasan, filmmaker.
Upon his appointment, Dr Firdaus expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “It is an honor to contribute to the development of Bangladesh’s film production practices. Historically, the grant committee has yet to fully embrace cultural diversity alongside emerging talent. To align with the global film business culture, it is time to redefine the local film industry as a creative sector.
"I look forward to helping broaden that vision and supporting filmmakers who reflect the richness of our society. Together, we aim to promote excellence in filmmaking and enhance the cultural fabric of local screen culture,” he added.
Dr Firdaus holds a PhD from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where his dissertation focused on "The Cinema of Gaspar Noé: A Poetics of Transgression."
He also earned a Master’s degree in Media Arts and Production from UTS, completing the capstone film "I Come and Stand at Every Door" (2018).