Former CU student’s film selected for Italian festival, screened at CU

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SM Mahfuz Ahmed

Photo: Courtesy

A science fiction-dystopian short film directed by a former student of University of Chittagong (CU) was screened on the university campus today, following its selection for the Corleone Film Festival in Italy.

“Synchronization”, directed by Khaled Heich Harmann, a former student of CU’s Department of International Relations, was screened at the Social Science Faculty Auditorium from 1pm to 8pm. Eight shows of the 18-minute film were held throughout the day.

The Corleone Film Festival is held in Corleone, Italy, a town whose name gained global recognition through its association with the Corleone family in the acclaimed film "The Godfather".

Khaled, who was a student of the International Relations Department in the 2013-14 academic session, also screened another of his short films, "Blood and Rose", at the event. The 17-minute film takes viewers into a surreal world, according to the filmmaker.

Students from various departments of CU acted in both films, while students of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies were involved in different stages of production, including behind-the-camera work.

"Synchronization" follows three prisoners who struggle for freedom inside a prison resembling an "Aynaghar", a term commonly used to refer to secret detention facilities. The film explores their desire for freedom and the challenges they face in their attempt to regain it.

The screening drew a significant audience, with organisers expressing satisfaction over the response. They described the event as a major film exhibition on the CU campus after a long gap.

The selection of "Synchronization" for the Corleone Film Festival also drew appreciation for Khaled and his team. Film enthusiasts, including the presidents of the CUET Film Society and Khulna University Film Club, praised the film, according to the organisers.

CU student Gias Uddin Roxy attended the screening out of an interest in films made by university students.

“Both films were really good. I enjoyed them a lot. I hope our university students will make and present even better films in the future,” he said.
Khaled Heich Harmann said the films received an encouraging response from the audience.

“We received a very good response from the audience. They gave us a lot of positive reviews. I had made two films previously, and these are the third and fourth films in the continuation of my work. We are receiving a very good response from students and audiences,” he said.