The largest film festival in Bangladesh, Dhaka International Film Festival, has just announced the date of its next edition. Taking place between January 16 and 24, 2021, the 19th edition of this long running festival will be held in five physical venues.
The festival locations are the same as the previous year- Central Public Library, National Museum, Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Star Cineplex. However, the ongoing pandemic might incur some changes, confirmed Festival Director, Ahmed Muztaba Zamal.
“We will have to wait till November or December to confirm whether the Covid situation will push us to a hybrid festival (both physical and online),” Ahmed told Dhaka Tribune Showtime. “We are preparing for all contingencies. Festivals are reopening worldwide and we will keep an eye on the alterations they have made to adjust to the new normal.”
Ahmed said the economic condition will restrict any extravagance this time around. The films and foreign delegates will also be confirmed later than usual due to the capricious circumstances.
The 7th Women in Cinema Conference and 3rd West Meets East programs will also be held as a part of the festival. Film submission deadline in September 30. Interested film-makers can submit their film links and relevant information via email.
Rainbow Film Society has been organizing the Dhaka International Film Festival since 1992. Last year, the festival screened about 220 films from 74 countries. The movies were divided under several categories, such as, Asian Cinema, Retrospective, Bangladesh Panorama, World Cinema, Children Films, Women Filmmakers, Short and Independent Films and Spiritual Movies.