Arafat assures turning tech-challenges into opportunities in films
The first BFDA award includes webfilms released in domestic OTTs
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat said that the government will take quick steps based on discussions to introduce modern technological facilities taken from abroad and turn technology challenges into opportunities in the country. He said that the government will take all kinds of steps to promote the film industry.
While speaking as the chief guest at the BFDA award ceremony held at the Hall of Fame of Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital on Saturday (May 11) evening, the state minister also said that with the development of technology, there have been many changes in the society which are positive changes. These changes have become a challenge in front of us in many cases. These changes are obviously challenging for our films. We need to work on how we can turn these challenges into opportunities.
"Good quality films made in the country are capable to beat Hollywood or other film industries. The film makers of this country have this quality. Many times, producers go abroad and take modern technical facilities while making Bangladeshi films. Because these facilities are not available in the country. If we can provide these facilities in the country, modernize FDC and other related institutions, then FDC and other institutions will benefit commercially. That is why the government is working on making FDC or other such institutions commercially profitable' - added Muhammad Ali Arafat.
The Bangladesh Film Directors Association (BFDA) awarded this award for the first time for contribution and excellence in various disciplines in recognition of the production of full-length Bengali films released in theaters and web films released through domestic OTT during 2022-2023. As best story teller, late Farooq Hossain, Hridi Haque, Sumon Sarkar and others got the honor this time.
Assuring the organizers of the event, State Minister Arafat said that if the country's cinema halls are not economically profitable, films will face problems. If cinema halls are functional and people can be brought to the halls then the problems of cinema can be solved. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given instructions on the construction of Cineplex and Multipurpose Cinema Halls in various places across Bangladesh and how to make them economically viable. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working on this.
The senior secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md. Humayun Kabir Khandkar was present as a special guest at the event chaired by Bangladesh Film Directors Association President Kazi Hayat.
Bangladesh Film Development Corporation Managing Director Nuzhat Yasmin, private company Sapnadhara Managing Director Masud Ur Rashid and private satellite television ATN Bangla and ATN News chairman Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman spoke at the event.
Secretary General of Bangladesh Film Directors Association Shaheen Suman delivered the welcome speech.
