Colombo, 7 October 2023:

Inauguration of the 3rd Bangladesh Film Festival unfolded last evening at the prestigious Tharangani Theatre of Sri Lankan National Film Corporation with the screening of internationally acclaimed movie “Rehana Maryam Noor” directed by Abdullah Mohammad Saad. Bangladesh High Commission in Sri Lanka is organizing the Film Festival which will continue till 8 October.

A sizeable cinema crowd including renowned personalities of Sri Lankan cinema and cine connoisseurs braced the heavy rain in Colombo to experience the taste of Bangladeshi movie. Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka, Prof G L Peiris, Patali Champika Ranawaka and Heads of Diplomatic Missions were among the high dignitaries present. Renowned actress Swarna Mallawarachchi who is known as the Golden Star of Sri Lankan cinema, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Eminent film critic and director Anomaa Rajakaruna as the curator of the festival introduced the movie to the audience before the screening.

Bangladesh High Commissioner Tareq Mohammad Ariful Islam inaugurated the Festival. In his welcome address, he highlighted the resurgence of Bangladeshi cine culture in recent times in the hand of a new generation of talented film directors who are bringing in many international accolades. He stated that such film festivals would foster cultural ties between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He expressed hope that due to socio-cultural affinities of two countries, Sri Lankan audience would be able to connect deeply with the essence of those movies.

An impressive line up four more contemporary Bangladeshi movies will he screened during the weekend. Among them,  “Raat Jaga Phool” and “Nona Joker Kabbo” will be screened today (on 7th October) respectively at 3:30 pm and 6 pm at the same venue, while “Damal” (at 3:30pm) and “No Dorai” (6pm) will be screened on 8th October. 

This 3rd version of the festival builds upon the success of the 1st and 2nd editions held in April 2014 and March 2018. This is a part of Bangladesh High Commission's efforts to strengthen cultural relations through cinema.