DIIF 20, 2022, 01: Under DIFFicult circumstances

Under the cloud of fears and scares of the pandemic, the Dhaka International Film Festival will brave it and hold its 20th edition during January 15-23 in Bangladesh’s capital city. It is organised by the Rainbow Film Society, since 1977, with Ahmed Muztaba Zamal as Festival Director. The screenings will be held at the Alliance Française de Dhaka, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Central Public Library Auditorium, National Museum Auditorium and Star Cineplex.

Rainbow Film Society is one of the most active film entities in the film society movement of Bangladesh. Apart from holding regular film shows and film related seminars and workshops, Rainbow also brings out “The Celluloid”, one of the leading cinema periodicals from Bangladesh, with an international audience.

DIFF is one of the most prestigious film events in Bangladesh and, to a great extent, has helped shape an increasingly healthy and positive national film culture. DIFF claims to be a bold expression of resistance against the decadence, vulgarity and cheap commercialism that pervades the mainstream Bangladesh film industry.

The festival has also created space for young and aspiring filmmakers in Bangladesh and South Asia to connect with global artistic trends, and to strengthen the parallel development of Bangladeshi cinema.