12 December 2018

Bangladesh High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria for the first time participated at the Asian Film Festival in Abuja, Nigeria (10-14 December, 2018). Formally inaugurated at 4pm on 10 December, 2018 at the Korean Cultural Centre, Abuja, 10 countries including Bangladesh are participating at the Festival which marks the second yearly gala (2^nd Asian Film Festival). RINA BROWN, a Bangladeshi movie was screened on Tuesday, 11 December, 2018 which earned appreciation among the audience. Ambassadors/High Commissioners, their spouses, members of the diplomatic crops, representatives from the Nigerian Government, members of the civil society and cultural organisations, movie-lovers and expatriate community members, among others, were present.

H.E. Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan,ndc, in his remarks welcomed the guests and  expressed satisfaction for the participation of Bangladesh at the Asian Film Festival for the first time. While thanking the Government of Bangladesh as well as the organisers for their generous support, the High Commissioner felt that this gala will help create greater understanding among the participating countries.

Drawn on a story against the backdrop of the great War of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, RINA BROWN moves on the budding relationship between two youngsters. Written and directed by Shameem Akhtar, a noted film-maker in Bangladesh, the Impress Telefilm’s movie was made with the grant of the Government of Bangladesh. Barun Chanda, Mahfuz Rizvi and Proma Paboni portrayed the lead roles while other important casts are Shampa Reza, Farhana Mithu, Ataur Rahman, Saberi Alam, Manash Chowdhury and Prabal Chowdhury, among others.

The High Commission also put up a Stall on the side-line of the Festival and various publications on Bangladesh including on war of liberation and tourism potentials, a good number of traditional articles along with jute-made items were on display. The guests were served with traditional Bangladeshi pastry and food.

The High Commission participated at the Asian Film Festival as a part of it’s on-going public diplomacy effort to reach the wider audience in Nigeria with a view to creating a positive image about Bangladesh.