Dhaka University Film Society’s primary Bangla film event, Amar Bhashar Chalachitra Utsab 1432, is wrapping up today (February 8) after a six-day run of film screenings and discussions focused on language, politics, and cinema. Hosted by the Dhaka University Film Society, a prominent film activist group in the country, the festival took place at the TSC auditorium and has become one of the largest showcases of Bangla films held on a university campus, drawing students, filmmakers, and film enthusiasts throughout the week.
The final day kicks off at 10:00 am with the screening of Belal Ahmed’s feature film “Noyoner Alo.” Following that, at 12:30 pm, Kazi Hayat’s politically charged film “Dhor,” known for the late actor Manna’s notable performance and its portrayal of social and political tensions of the era, will be shown. A segment of short films is scheduled for 3:30 pm, showcasing works by emerging filmmakers such as Mahfuz Sarkar’s “Moya: The Name We Call,” Ahsabul Yamin’s “Jonmo Theke Jolchi,” and Ummid Ashraf’s “Dhyat.” The festival concludes at 6:30 pm with the screening of Joyabrata Das’s film “The Academy of Fine Arts,” based in Kolkata, chosen as this year’s closing film.
The evening’s events will also include the presentation of the Hiralal Sen Padak, the festival’s top honor given to the best film showcased. Named after Bangla cinema pioneer Hiralal Sen, the award acknowledges cinematic excellence woven with linguistic and cultural awareness. Throughout the six days, the festival featured 20 feature films and three short films, blending classic and contemporary titles. Screenings followed a set schedule each day at 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 6:30 pm.
The festival commenced on February 3 with the screening of Ahmed Hasan’s “Ekhane Rajnoitik Alap Joruri,” starring Imtiaz Barshon as a Bangladeshi expatriate who returns home to confront a troubling political reality.
Embedded in the history of the Language Movement, Amar Bhashar Chalachitra Utsab 1432 has reinforced Dhaka University’s significance as a critical hub for engaging with Bangla cinema.
