A cinematic tribute to Dhaka’s rich cultural heritage

A weeklong film festival featuring 13 classic and popular Bangladeshi films will begin tomorrow at Modhumita Cinema Hall in the capital as part of the Dhaka South City Corporation’s (DSCC) “Hridoye Dhaka-416” initiative. 
The festival aims to highlight Dhaka’s history, heritage and cultural diversity while introducing younger generations to the city’s rich cultural past through cinema.
DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam announced the festival at a press conference at Modhumita Cinema Hall in Motijheel on Wednesday. 
The festival will also honour 58 veteran and emerging artistes and film professionals, including actors, directors, writers, musicians, lyricists and cinematographers, for their contributions to the country’s film industry.
The formal inauguration will take place at 4pm tomorrow at the hall. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon will attend as chief guest, while State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam and Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman will attend as special guests with DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam in the chair.
Abdul Jabbar Khan’s landmark film “Mukh O Mukhosh” will be screened at 6pm on the opening day.
The second day will feature Khan Ataur Rahman’s “Nawab Sirajuddaula” at 3pm and Bashir Hossain’s “13 No Feku Ostagar Lane” at 6pm.
The festival will continue with Zahir Raihan’s “Jibon Theke Neya” and Gazi Mazharul Anwar’s “Nantu Ghatak” on 24 August. Azizur Rahman’s “Ashikkhito” and Zahirul Haque’s “Rangbaaz” will be screened on 25 August.    
On 26 August, the audience can watch Subhash Dutta’s “Sabuj Sathi” and Ashok Ghosh’s “Nacher Putul”. Ehtesham’s “Durdese” and Sheikh Niamat Ali’s “Dahan” are scheduled for 27 August.
The festival will conclude on 28 August with Dewan Nazrul’s “Dost Dushman” and Kazi Jahir’s “Badhu Biday”.
Speaking at the press conference, DSCC officials said the initiative seeks to preserve Dhaka’s history and heritage and showcase its cultural identity through cinema.
Under the slogan “In celebration, in pride, in responsibility”, DSCC has also arranged several programmes marking the anniversary of “Hridoye Dhaka-416”. These include a cycle rally, marathon, tree fair, stage drama, swimming competition, boat race and a citywide cleanliness drive.
Noted actress Dilara Zaman, Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association President Chowdhury Mazhar Ali (Shiba Shanu), Modhumita Cinema Hall Manager Iftekhar Uddin Noushad and senior DSCC officials were present at the press conference.