Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) organizer Rainbow Film Society has long been an admirer of the rich tradition of filmmaking in Iran.
As a result, Rainbow has consistently been striving to find areas for cooperation with Iran in the film industry, while promoting Iranian film alongside the Iran Cultural Centre.
At the recently held DIFF 2019, the festival’s organizers invited Ali Reza Tabesh, managing director of Tehran’s Farabi Cinema Foundation, in order to strengthen ties between the film fraternities of Iran and Bangladesh.
Earlier, Bangladeshi actor, director, and producer Ananta Jalil met with Ali Reza Tabesh at his office in Tehran last year, to discuss ways to collaborate with the Iranian foundation.
Founded in 1983, the Farabi Cinema Foundation is among the leading companies in the production, international distribution, and promotion of Iranian films.
During his visit to Bangladesh, Ali Reza Tabesh said the cultural and religious commonalities between Iran and Bangladesh provides a foundation for cooperation in the film industry.
He also stressed the need for taking advantage of talented and emerging Bangladeshi filmmakers, instead of focusing on the commercial aspect of films, and urged that more international film festivals be organized for youths.
How are you feeling in Bangladesh?
I am very delighted to visit Bangladesh and participate in the Dhaka International Film Festival. Iran has actively participated in the festival every time. Many films from Iran compete here, and people from the Iranian film industry are invited to the festival. I am very happy to be a part of it.
Have you seen any Bangladeshi films?
I have a little experience watching Bangladeshi films. I saw some of the films at the festival. I have been informed that the commercial aspect gets the priority in making the films, but I know Bangladesh has many talented filmmakers who can produce better films. I also know the name of many good filmmakers such as Tareque Masud, Zahir Raihan, and Alamgir Kabir.
How can the festival be helpful for filmmakers?
Twenty five Iranian films were displayed at DIFF this year, including four in the Asian category, five in International, five in Women Filmmakers, five in Children’s, and six in Spiritual. A number of Bangladeshi films have also participated in film festivals in Iran. This collaboration is important for both countries to exchange experiences and share their views.
Iranian films have gained attention everywhere. They are accepted around the world for their high standards.
Iranian has a long history in filmmaking, and its films mainly focus on humanitarian, ethical, and spiritual issues. Although Hollywood and Bollywood produce high budget films, low budget Iranian films also have influence around the world because we emphasize the story.
Do you have any suggestions for Bangladeshi filmmakers?
Bangladesh needs to focus on different types of movies. Alongside placing more focus on a good story, filmmakers should use the latest technology for making their films. Iran’s culture-oriented, humanitarian, and educational films can be a good reference point for the development of Bangladeshi cinema.
