By Kalam Azad

BOGURA, Jan 8, 2026 (BSS) - The three-day 6th Bogura International Film Festival began today in the district, organized by the Pundranagar Film Society, Bogura, under the slogan of "Youth Films, Youth Festival." 

A total of 74 films from 32 countries are being screened at the festival. The screenings are taking place simultaneously at Madhuban Cineplex and the District Shilpakala Academy, making it one of the largest film events ever held in the district. The festival will continue until January 10.

According to the organizers, the festival is usually held in February but has been advanced to January this year due to the upcoming national parliamentary elections and the month of Ramadan.

Festival Director Supin Barman said that awards will be given in seven categories, including International Short Film, Feature Film, Documentary, Animated Film, Open Door Short Category, and National Film Competition. Along with Best Film awards, an Honorable Mention Award will also be presented.

An experienced jury board has been formed to select the winning films. The Bangladeshi jury members include filmmakers Khandaker Suman, Mohammad Rakibul Hasan, Antu Azad, cinematographer Sheikh Rajibul Islam, Assistant Professor of North South University Dr. Shariful Islam, and lyricist and journalist Mahmud Manjur. The international jury includes Russian film expert Anaskin Serge, Indian film curator Shantanu Ganguly, Iranian filmmaker Mariam Ghasemi and Santosh Subedi, Chairman of the Nepal Cultural International Film Festival.

In addition to film screenings, the festival features master classes, workshops, and open discussions on filmmaking. Filmmaker Rajibul Hossain will conduct a master class, while a three-day documentary filmmaking workshop will be held conducted by filmmaker Mohammad Rakibul Hasan. 

An open discussion session will include Bangladesh Film Federation General Secretary Nurullah Mohammad, filmmaker Antu Azad, and filmmaker Jiban Shahadat.

Films will be screened at Madhuban Cineplex today and tomorrow from 3:00 pm, and on January 10 from 10:00 am. At the same time, screenings at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium will run today and tomorrow from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. All screenings are open to the public.

This year, around 45 filmmakers and artists from six countries are attending the festival. Marking the birth centenary of legendary sub-continental filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak, the festival has been dedicated to his memory.

A special segment titled "Photo Reels", showcasing the works of internationally acclaimed photographer Touhid Parvez Biplob, has also been included in the festival program.

President of Pundranagar Film Sangsad Paushram Sarkar and Festival Chairman M Rahman Sagar expressed their gratitude to all participants and thanked the district administration and police administration for their support, expressing hope for the festival's overall success.