The curtains rose for the 21st Dhaka International Film Festival yesterday in Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib hall, in the National Museum. The event was inaugurated with a lot of vigour and celebrations, mainly pertaining to the message of peace.

The cultural program was followed by speeches from special guests and personnels who held discussions on the importance of filmmaking. A pivotal point made, by both national and international guests was, no nation can move forward successfully without cultural integration.

Bangladesh will be represented at the festival through 81 films, including 12 full-length feature films and 69 short and independent films.

Festival director Ahmed Muztaba Zamal mentioned in his opening speech " We had arranged this festival even in the middle of a pandemic and had to face many hurdles. Even so today, however, we still continue to organise the festival. This time, both Bangladeshi and international creators have been prioritised. In this 9-day long event , there will be films from retrospective, Bangladeshi panorama, wide angle, cinema of the world, spiritual and much more. There will also be screenplay labs and workshops. It will overall be a grand event along with cinemas of many kinds".

"Films are akin to flowing rivers, where trials and tribulations of the society are reflected on. Films are not only visual entertainment, they also sometimes serve as historical trademarks. Through creativity, films become one of the important mediums of visual entertainment. It also serves as a tool to create awareness among people" said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen.

Also present during the event were eminent actor Sabyasachi Chakraborty, actress Rozina, including special guests State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam and Secretary of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mokammel Hossain.