Every year the government gives a substantial amount of funding to the film industry to encourage talent and creativity. Similarly, this year 20 films and 6 Short films received funds. This was announced on Wednesday.
A notification signed by Saiful Islam, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has published the list of subsidized movies.
In the financial year 2023-24, two films have received grants under the Liberation War-category. A ‘Pakistane Bondhi jibon'. It is directed and produced by Sajedul Islam. The other is 'Chhowa', directed and produced by Rakibul Hasan. Both the movies will recieve Tk 75 lakh.
In the children's category, two films have similarly received grants. Raed Morshed is the producer of the movie called 'Od-Bhoot'. The movie will be directed by Towkir Islam. Niamul Mukta got grant for the movie 'Chalanbiler Manik' as producer and director. Both the movies will get Tk 50 lakh grant.
“Nomads of the North” has received a grant of Tk 50 lakh in the documentary section. It is directed and produced by Piplu R Khan. The other is Kaler Jattra'. Russell Rana Doja is the producer and director of the documentary.
14 movies got grant in general category. Each movie will get a grant of Tk 75 lakh. Mirza Shabnam Ferdousi got grant for the movie 'Mihin Gatha' as director and producer. Redrading this Ferdousi said “It was a very fair selection process. We pitched in 2 steps. I was anxious but happy to have been given the grant a second time as a director.”
Veteran director Nargis Akter’s words also echoed the same sentiment: “The films that received grant this year are not purely commercial in nature. Different issues will be addressed in these films that can also be educational. The selection was done very systematically. The grant will also inspire the talented makers.”
Jahangir Hossain Babar received grant as director and producer for the movie 'Thikana'. On the other hand, Fazle Hasan Shishir got a grant for the movie 'Suraiya'. The movie will be directed by Rabiul Alam Ravi.
Golam Mostafa has received grant as director and producer for the movie 'Jaya'. Pinky Akhter is the producer of 'Lobh', the movie will be directed by Sanjay Samaddar. N Rashed Chowdhury received grant for the movie 'Sakhi Rangmala'
‘Jat’ produced by Shelley Kader received more grants in the general category. It will be directed by Nargis Akhter. Another movie 'Mainar Char' is produced by Sumon Parvez, director A ZM Mostafizur Rahman Babu and 'Kalbela' is produced and directed by Ibrahim Khalil Mishuk (Mishuk Moni).
Also, on the list is 'Seyana' produced by Manoj Pramanik, to be directed by Iqbal Haasan Khan. There is another movie called 'Ajiran', it is produced and directed by Geethali Hasan. Apart from this, there is 'Postmortem'. Producer of the film is Nizam Uddin and is directed by Arif Siddiqui. Another movie called 'Ha Gharre' is also in the list. Produced by Noor Monir, the film will be directed by Nasrullah Mansoor. Another movie nominated in the general category is 'Muktijuddaer Chetna'. The producer and director of the movie is Dewan Nazrul.
Apart from this, the government has decided to provide grants to the producers of 6 short films. Among them, two films have received grants in the Liberation War-based branch. These include 'Oporajito ekkatur' by producer and director Moin Uddin Pathan. The other movie is 'Jaldasi'. Its producer and director is Abdul Khalek (Khalek Sadman). Both the movies are getting Tk 20 lakh grant. “Dalimkumar O Talpukurer Kichcha'' is also receiving a grant of Tk 20 lakh. It is produced and directed by Sameer Ahmed.
Three films received grants in the general category of short films category. These are 'Mautali Pithar Ghran' by Zuairijah Mou, 'Phoenix Pakhi' by SM Kamrul Ahsan and ' Abu Ibrahim er mrittu' by Mohammad Mamun Shobhani. All the three movies are getting grant of Tk 20 lakh.
Regarding this Mou said “It was motivational for me when I was short listed in the grant process and called for pitching. Interviews and pitching sessions are held twice. Since I am from film school background, I view presentation of film ideas through pitching positively in any selection process.This is certainly worthy of praise. I hope I get well wishes from everyone so that I can take the movie forward in the right way.”
