Photo: Collected
Stakeholders of Bangladesh's film industry have called for the establishment of a separate Ministry of Film Affairs to address the challenges and reforms necessary for the development of the sector at the National Film Conference 2025, held at Dhaka University's Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building on Wednesday.
Organized by the Bangladesh Film Students Association (BFSA) under the slogan "Reform film, change the country," the event brought together around 500 participants, including film students, teachers, filmmakers, actors, journalists, and several other stakeholders from across the industry.
BFSA President Sadman Shihir emphasized the urgency of the demand, calling on the interim government to establish the ministry within three months. Stakeholders collectively agreed on the formation of the proposed ministry to address bureaucratic complications and ensure better coordination among relevant authorities.
Speakers highlighted the limitations of managing film-related activities under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and called for structural reforms, including the creation of a Film Reform Commission to oversee proposed changes and action plans.
More than 18 key demands raised at the conference included reform of the Bangladesh Film Certification Act, restructuring of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), implementation of digital distribution, e-ticketing, and box office systems, establishment of a National Film Centre, investment in film education and training, revitalization of Gazipur Film City, opening up the import-export of films, formation of an Anti-Piracy Cell, and increased government investment in the industry.
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, who joined as a special guest, echoed the need for a separate ministry, calling on stakeholders to develop a comprehensive reform blueprint through workshops. "The Ministry of Culture is failing to prioritize films. A separate ministry could address these challenges effectively," he said, urging stakeholders to amplify their demands towards the concerned authorities at the interim government to ensure action.
Several speakers also shared their viewpoints at the conference, including filmmaker Raihan Rafi, Alpha-i Studios Managing Director Shahriar Shakil, film critic-journalist and National Film Advisory Committee member Sadia Khalid Reeti, actor Imtiaz Barshon, actress Jannatul Ferdous Oishee, Kabi Nazrul Institute Executive Director Latiful Islam Shibli, Bongo's Chief Content Officer Mushfiqur Rahman, representatives of Dhaka International Film Festival and Bangladesh
International Short and Independent Film Festival, film academicians and students from different universities, cinema hall owners and film producers, among others.
The conference began with the presentation of a promo video and proposed reform plans, facilitated by BFSA search committee convener Al Amin Rakib Tonoy. General Secretary Zarin Tasnim Roza delivered the welcome speech, and participants observed a minute's silence in memory of the martyrs of the July Revolution before the discussion at the conference.
Although Chief Guest Md Nahid Islam, Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Special Guest Mahfuj Alam, Adviser to the interim government, could not attend due to official engagements, the conference organizers confirmed that the demands were forwarded to them for consideration.
The National Film Conference 2025 wrapped up with the participants calling on the government to address the demands swiftly to pave the way for meaningful reforms in the country's film industry.
Messenger/JRTarek
