The Berlin International Film Festival has announced the competition lineup for its 76th edition, revealing a programme that blends politically charged cinema, intimate character studies and star-driven features from across the world.

Dwip, a gallery well-known for its bold approach to art and being vocal about every social issue possible, is currently hosting a solo art exhibition by Shikdar Saikat titled “This Show is a Waste of Time”. Partnered by Ghartera and Sarridon Collective, this show talks about the current social, political, and economic situation of our country, fuelled by ignorance, fascism, extremism, misogyny, and the misuse of religion, through satire and dark humour. But just like a usual “aware” millennial, the artist made unique, high-quality artistic memes instead of going for typical or traditional methods.

Curated by a team led by architects Marina Tabassum and Tanzim Wahab, both participants in the movement, the museum preserves graffiti, debris, and personal belongings left behind on the day protesters stormed the residence. Exhibits include bloodstained clothing of victims and the final letter of a 16-year-old protester.

Written by acclaimed playwright, director and actor Mamunur Rashid, “Guinea Pig” is a sharp satire rooted in Bangladesh’s socio-economic and political reality. The story exposes how ordinary people are treated like test subjects by the state apparatus and the affluent, highlighting deep disparities in how life and dignity are valued.

“Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler of “Black Panther” fame, is a period horror drama set in the segregated American South. It stars Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers battling both supernatural and human evil in 1930s Mississippi. He is widely expected to earn a best actor nomination.

Director Nasir Khandaker said, “This award is a tribute to the hard work and passion of our entire team. It encourages us to keep experimenting with the power of sound in movies.”

In his application, Khan clarified that the circumstances and structural framework under which he had previously resigned remain unchanged.

Global K-pop sensation BLACKPINK has secured a rare distinction by becoming the only K-pop group to receive an Honourable Mention on Billboard’s “Greatest Pop Stars of 2025” list.

In an unprecedented move for Bengali cinema, advance tickets for the upcoming film “DeSu7” have gone on sale 10 months before its theatrical release, marking a first for the industry. The film reunites popular on-screen pair Dev and Subhashree Ganguly on the big screen after nearly a decade.

Rabindranath Tagore’s celebrated short story “Shasti”, previously adapted for the screen by Chashi Nazrul Islam in 2004, is set to return in a new cinematic form—this time reimagined for a contemporary audience.

After a gap of a decade, singer Balam is set to release a new solo album. Speaking to Prothom Alo on Monday (January 19), the artiste said the album will be titled “Mawla” and is scheduled for release this Eid-ul-Fitr. The album will feature six songs, with the title track and most of the compositions and musical arrangements already completed.

In addition to these projects, Chowdhury completed shooting for Raihan Rafi’s “Andhar” quite some time ago, and the film is now awaiting release. “I believe it’s going to be another strong piece of work,” he said.

Originally planned as a New Year release, “O Jaan” will premiere on January 30 on the Gaanchill Music YouTube channel. According to the director, the project is a joint venture involving Bangladesh, India and Nepal—bringing together international cinematographers, choreographers and location experts to merge snow, mountains and romance into a singular visual experience.

That shift, Damon argued, is now shaping how Netflix wants films made. He described the traditional action-film model: three major set pieces—one in each act, with the biggest saved for the finale. But Netflix, he said, is pushing for spectacle up front.

Bannya’s nearly two-hour set featured 19 beloved songs by Rabindranath Tagore, drawing an audience that exceeded the venue’s official capacity. Listeners responded with sustained engagement, prompting applause throughout the programme.

Singer Asif Akbar is set to return to the big screen with a new set of film songs—this time created by celebrated singer-songwriter Kabir Suman. The collaboration marks the first time Suman has written and composed songs for a Bangladeshi film.

Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman has revealed that persistent comparisons with his past work led him to question his relevance—and ultimately drove him into one of the busiest phases of his career.

Dola Rahman’s enchanting voice paired with Muza’s musical prowess in “Minoti”, which was released yesterday, is already drawing attention from music lovers.

Pori Moni and Chanchal Chowdhury are set to collaborate for the first time in a film inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s short story “Shasti”.

Actress Nidra Neha has completed shooting for a new film titled “Kalo Biral”.