Staff Reporter: Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday commemorated iconic Bangla filmmaker Ritwik Kumar Ghatak, renowned for his transformative contributions to reshaping the course of Bangla cinema history.
As part of the 4th Cinemaking International Film Festival (CIFF), Megh Foundation arranged the seminar at its office near the Bachelor Gate of Jahangirnagar University, marking the birth centenary of Ritwik Ghatak.
Indian film director Sayak Mukherjee, CIFF jury board member and senior journalist Abdur Rahman Jahangir and CIFF jury board member and actor Shamim Saikot, among others, spoke at the seminar with CIFF founder and film director Monjurul Islam Megh in the chair.
CIFF jury board member and writer Renat Sultana presented the keynote paper at the seminar moderated by Tohura Akter Tuli.
Sayak Mukherjee discussed various aspects of Ritwik Kumar Ghatak’s films and his contributions to transforming Bangla films.
He highlighted how Ritwik Ghatak depicted the harsh realities of socio-economic struggles in films like “Titash Ekti Nadir Naam,” “Ajantrik,” “Nagarik,” “Runaway,” “Reason, Debate and a Story,” showcasing the mastery of film language required to accomplish such a feat
The Indian film director expressed admiration for the CIFF, stating that it has gained global recognition in Bangladesh.
Abdur Rahman Jahangir praised the CIFF for representing the country internationally, saying although the festival began as an individual initiative, it is now recognised worldwide.
“As a member of the jury board, I reviewed wonderful movies from different countries. But the Bangladeshi audiences are deprived of watching these movies due to censor board’s restriction,” he said.
CIFF founder and film director Monjurul Islam Megh said CIFF has achieved recognition as one of Asia’s premier international film festivals. “This is the fourth edition of our festival. Through impartial jury decisions, we present awards and honour films at our festival.”
“We strive to promote our festival globally with integrity. Our 4th edition features 351 films from 76 countries,” he said.
Despite organising such a grand event, Megh said they do not get any assistance from the government and the censorship imposed on films hinders Bangladeshi audiences from experiencing quality cinema.
Since February 16th, the 4th International Film Festival has been taking place online. Jury board members have been reviewing 351 films from 76 countries to nominate the best films and directors in
various categories for awards. The awards ceremony will be held in Dhaka as part of a grand event.
