Rooted in the proud legacy of the Language Movement and a deep love for Bangla cinema, Dhaka University Film Society (DUFS) has launched the 24th edition of the country’s largest Bangla film festival, “Amar Bhashar Chalachitra 1432.” The festival began on Tuesday, and will continue until Sunday, 8 February, at the TSC premises of the University of Dhaka.
The opening ceremony was held at 5pm on Tuesday at the TSC grounds. Distinguished writer, film critic, and veteran of the film movement "Moinuddin Khaled" was present as the chief guest.
Speaking at the inauguration, DUFS General Secretary Sumonto Sarkar Orpon said: “In today’s mechanical urban life, watching films together as a collective experience has become increasingly rare. Entertainment now revolves around social media, and films are mostly consumed through OTT platforms.”
He added: “But cinema is inherently a social art form, and people have always wanted to experience it together. Through the big screen at TSC, we want to revive the culture of the traditional cinema hall for Bangladeshi films.”
DUFS President Rehnuma Shahreen remarked: “Amar Bhashar Chalachitra 1432 will take you very close to the roots of Bangla cinema. Contemporary political turbulence will speak from the screen, while thrill and reflections on life will unfold alongside it.”
She further said: “From today until 8 February, the TSC premises will resonate with the vibrant melodies of Bangla film songs. In this familiar courtyard, stories of our language and identity will come alive once again. We have kept the ticket price at just Tk50 so that students, teachers, and the general public can all be part of the festival.”
According to the organizers, "nearly 400 tickets were sold on the very first day" of the festival.
Festival schedule at a glance
This year’s festival will screen a total of 19 feature-length films and 3 short films, combining both classic and contemporary works. Except for the opening day, films will be shown daily in four slots: 10am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm, and 6:30pm.
3 February (Opening Day): The festival opens at 6:30 pm with Ahmed Hasan Sunny’s Here Political Discussion Is Necessary.
4 February: Screenings include Sunil Bandyopadhyay’s Deya Neya, Alamgir Kabir’s Surjakanya, Sharaf Ahmed’s Chakkor 302, and Raihan Rafi’s Tandob.
5 February: Films to be shown are Salauddin’s Rupban, Sadik Ahmed’s The Last Thakur, Piplu Khan’s Joya O Shormin, and Monirul Haque’s University of Chankharpul.
6 February: The fourth day features Harunur Rashid’s Megher Onek Rong, Tozammel Haque’s timeless classic Beder Meye Jyotsna, Mithu Khan’s Nilchakra, and Kamar Ahmad Simon’s Onnodyin.
7 February: The lineup includes Tapan Sinha’s Harmonium, Tareque Masud’s Muktir Gaan, Sunny Sanwar’s Esha Murder, and Tanvir Noor’s Utsob.
8 February (Closing Day): The final day opens with Belal Ahmed’s Noyoner Alo and Kazi Hayat’s Dhor. At 3:30pm, three short films will be screened—Mahfuz Sarkar’s Moya: The Name We Call, Ahsabul Yamin’s Burning Since Birth, and Ummid Ashraf’s Dhyat.
The festival will conclude with The Academy of Fine Arts, directed by Kolkata-based filmmaker "Joybrata Das".