DU Correspondent

A film circle study session was organized on Saturday by the Dhaka University Film Society (DUFS).

A. N. M. Mahbubur Rahman, a former member of DUFS and a film society activist was present as the guest and speaker at the event.

The theme of the session was 'Post-Independence Bangladeshi Cinema '. The discussion covered various aspects of the evolution, history, and challenges of Bangladesh’s film industry.

ANM Mahabubur Rahman said, before independence, Bengali cinema had a rich and well-established past. On July 7, 1896, the Lumière Brothers showcased the first-ever film screening in the Indian subcontinent. At that time, films were referred to as “Bioscope”.

Later, on April 4, 1898, Hiralal Sen and his brother organized a film screening in Bhola sub-division of Bakerganj district under the management of Bradford Bioscope Company of Kolkata.

He also said, Abdul Jabbar Khan played a pivotal role in the growth of Bangladesh’s film industry. During that era, Hindu filmmakers in West Bengal had already established dominance in cinema and theatre, whereas Muslim filmmakers faced significant obstacles. Overcoming financial limitations and societal prejudices, Abdul Jabbar Khan directed Bangladesh’s first talkie film, "Mukh O Mukhosh" (Face and Mask).

During the golden era of Bengali cinema, films were classified based on artistic and commercial merit to preserve their quality and cultural value. Despite political instability and social unrest in the 1970s and 1980s, over 800 films were released. These films reflected the social, cultural, and political landscape of the time, significantly contributing to the growth of the Bangladeshi film industry.

Dhaka University Film Society’s initiative has sparked meaningful discussions among film enthusiasts about the history and future prospects of Bengali cinema.