Cox’s Bazar Film Festival concludes after two-day run

The first Cox’s Bazar Film Festival began with a vibrant opening ceremony at Laboni Beach, bringing together filmmakers, cultural figures, media professionals, and tourists in a celebration of Bangla cinema.

Organised by the Cox’s Bazar Film Club, the two-day festival features one documentary, five full-length Bangla films, and one English-language film.

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The inauguration was held on Friday (March 27) evening, with Cox’s Bazar-4 MP and district BNP President Shahjahan Chowdhury attending as chief guest. Among others present were filmmaker and actor Barua Manojit Dhiman, filmmaker Bandhan Biswas, director Tanvir Hasan, and actress Elina Shammi. The session was chaired by Cox’s Bazar Film Club President Mohammad Selim.

Speaking at the event, Selim said the festival aims to revive the experience of watching films on the big screen. “In an era of small screens, bringing Bangla cinema back to the big screen is our main goal,” he said, adding that the festival’s scope will be expanded in the coming years.

On the opening day, a documentary produced by the Cox’s Bazar Film Club, along with the films “Chhayabrikkho”, directed by Bandhan Biswas; “Jol Rong”, directed by Apurba Rana; and the English-language film “Dot”, directed by Barua Sunanda Kakon, were screened.

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“Chhayabrikkho” depicts the struggles of tea workers, while “Jol Rong” explores human trafficking. “Dot”, Bangladesh’s first full-length English-language film, also addresses trafficking-related issues.

Festival screenings are being held every evening at the open-air stage at Laboni Beach, with free entry for all.

On Saturday (March 28), the closing day of the festival featured the full-length films “Behula Dorodi”, directed by Sabuj Khan; “Moynar Char”, directed by Mostafizur Rahman Babu; and “Madhyobitto”, directed by Tanvir Hasan.

The festival is being supported by the Cox’s Bazar District Administration and the Dhaka Film Club.