National Film Conference 2025 calls for industry reforms

Before 2021, a group of passionate film students in Bangladesh began contemplating the state of the country's film industry. Among them were Sadman Shishir and Khairul Hasan Akash from the Film Studies Department of Jagannath University, along with Al Amin Rakib Tonoy and Jerin Tasnim from Dhaka University's Film and Television Department. 

Their growing concerns about the fragile and nearly disappearing heritage of Bangladeshi cinema motivated them, along with many others, to pursue higher education in film studies.  

As they searched deeper into the world of cinema, they realised the urgent need to revive the industry. By 2021, film students at various universities began organising themselves with a shared vision: to create a new, skilled generation of filmmakers and bring meaningful change to the industry. Their efforts culminated in 2023 with the formation of the Bangladesh Film Students' Association (BFSA).

Today, on 29 January, this student-led organisation made history by hosting the first-ever National Film Conference in Bangladesh at Dhaka University's Senate Hall. The conference brought together students, producers, directors, actors, exhibitors, and film workers, all responding to the students' invitation to discuss the future of Bangladeshi cinema.  

The conference was attended by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, adviser to the Ministry of Culture, as a special guest. However, Mohammad Nahid Islam, Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, and Mahfuj Alam, the Adviser and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, were unable to attend due to official commitments. It was reported that the conference's demands had been conveyed to them.  

The event was hosted by Al Amin Rakib Tonoy, while BFSA General Secretary Jerin Tasnim Roza delivered the opening speech. Before the discussions began, attendees observed a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs of the July Revolution.

As the conference unfolded, pressing issues surrounding the film industry took centre stage. 

Participants debated many critical questions such as what stories should be told through films, where investments will come from, and how to make the industry grow.
 
Actress Jannatul Ferdous Oishee emphasised the importance of creating more films suitable for children and young audiences. "There is no alternative to making good Bangladeshi films if we want to guide the new generation properly," she said. "Without films, I believe violence in society will increase."  

Director Raihan Rafi spoke about the struggles of filmmakers, stating, "Filmmakers have to overcome various challenges to survive. There should be a dedicated support cell within the relevant ministry to address immediate issues during production. We need a separate ministry for the film industry."  

Renowned lyricist Latiful Islam Shibli, also the Executive Director of the Kabi Nazrul Institute and a member of the national film grant committee, made a bold statement: "The grant projects approved during the previous fascist government should be completely revoked. Reform must start from there."  

Independent filmmaker and film educator Razibul Hossain added, "The concept of Bangladesh's national cinema has never been properly defined."  

Shahin Sumon, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Film Directors' Association, assured students of his organisation's continuous support.

"We always assist student filmmakers and encourage independent creators in every possible way. I hope our film industry will now progress more dynamically," said Shahin Sumon.

With the theme "Reform Cinema, Change the Nation," the conference took a decisive turn when BFSA President Sadman Shishir presented a one-point demand: the immediate establishment of an independent Ministry of Film. This demand gained unanimous support from all stakeholders present.  

Speakers argued that managing the film industry solely under the The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has become increasingly difficult. Coordinating with multiple ministries has led to bureaucratic complications, making a dedicated Film Ministry essential.  

In addition to the call for a separate ministry, the conference also proposed the formation of a Film Reform Commission to implement industry-wide changes and upcoming plans. 

Other key proposals included reforming the Bangladesh Film Certification Act, restructuring the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), establishing a National Film Center, implementing digital film distribution, launching an e-ticketing system and box office tracking, expanding film education, developing Gazipur Film City, opening up film import and export policies, creating an anti-piracy cell, and increasing government investment in cinema. In total, more than 18 reform proposals were presented.  

In his speech, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki reflected on the challenges of reforming the industry. "By chance, I am an advisor, but at heart, I am a filmmaker," he said. 

He continues, "The Ministry of Information has failed to prioritise and reform the film industry. When I was only a filmmaker, I blamed the government for this failure. But now that I am part of it, I realise that obstacles exist at every step. I also believe that a separate Film Ministry is necessary."  

Encouraging students to take an active role in pushing for change, he concluded, "I urge the members of the Bangladesh Film Students' Association to take to the streets and pressure us into action. Only then will we be forced to take real steps toward film industry reform."