After book fair, film fest, too, to miss Bangla presence

Kolkata: Following the Kolkata International Book Fair, the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) will likewise proceed without any Bangladeshi participation. One Bangladeshi film did submit an application to KIFF but wasn't selected for competition. Nevertheless, it will be screened at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which commenced on Nov 20. For five consecutive years, Bangladeshi films have featured in the competitive segments of KIFF.In the preceding five years, two Bangladeshi films bagged prestigious awards at KIFF. At the 28th KIFF in 2022, Muhammad Quayum's ‘Kura Pokkhir Shunye Ura (The Golden Wings Of Watercocks)' received the Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award for Best Film for International Competition: Innovation in Moving Images, along with Juan Sebastian Vasquez's ‘Upon Entry'. The prize money was Rs 51 lakh. In 2020, Rezwan Shahriar Sumit's ‘Nonajoler Kabbo (The Salt In Our Waters)' got the Asian Select (NETPAC Award). Subsequent years witnessed steady nominations of Bangladeshi films in the Asian Select (NETPAC Award) category, including Fakhrul Arefeen Khan's ‘JK 1971' (28th KIFF), Syeda Neegar Banu's ‘Barren Waters' (29th KIFF), Shabnam Ferdousi's ‘Ajob Karkhana' (27th KIFF), and N Rashed Chowdhury's ‘Chandrabati Kotha (The Tales Of Chandrabati)' (25th KIFF).Goutam Ghose, the chairperson of the 30th KIFF scheduled between Dec 4 and 11, told TOI, "Indeed, we have no films from Bangladesh competing at KIFF this year. Many things are blocked now. It is very unfortunate. Let's hope things change in the next edition of the film festival."When TOI enquired of Dhaka-based Sankha Dasgupta if he had submitted his ‘Dear Maloti' to KIFF, he said, "Yes, I have. I have no idea why KIFF is not considering that. Probably, it is because of IFFI." His film will have its Asian premiere at IFFI this year. "It is the only Bangladeshi film at IFFI. I am honestly not sure when Kolkata will get to watch my film. But I was really hoping to attend KIFF. I have not heard from KIFF yet."Insiders suggest visa-related apprehensions could be a reason for non-selection. "Festival film screenings require central govt exemptions. There existed uncertainty regarding whether a Bangladeshi film would secure necessary screening sanctions. The film will have its Asian premiere at IFFI this year and we don't accept any film in competition that has already been premiered in India. So, we couldn't have it compete," an insider said.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, Location Guesser and Mini Crossword. Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes, messages, and quotes.