It will create a nationwide celebration.
The fourth edition of the Bangladesh Short and Documentary Film Festival is set to begin on May 27, 2025.
It will bring together storytellers from across the nation.
Organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the five-day event will be held across all eight divisional cities.
It will create a nationwide celebration of short and documentary films.
A total of 322 films were submitted for this year’s festival. After review, 89 were selected.
These comprised 60 fictional shorts and 29 documentaries.
The chosen works reflect the diversity, creativity, and relevance of contemporary Bangladeshi storytelling.
At a press conference held at the National Theatre Seminar Room, Mohammad Wares Hossain announced the film festival’s schedule and aims.
He is the secretary and acting director general of the Academy.
Hossain described the initiative as vital to nurturing talent and encouraging audiences to engage with quality short and documentary cinema.
The film festival features a competitive section, with awards in both fiction and documentary categories.
The top prizes include Best Film, Best Director, and Special Jury Mention.
Four additional awards will recognise technical excellence in cinematography, editing, sound design, and production design.
Winning filmmakers will win substantial sums of money.
The Best Film in each category earns TK 150,000, while Best Director will receive TK 100,000.
The Special Jury Mention carries a prize of TK 50,000. Each of the four special awards comes with TK 30,000.
All participating filmmakers will also receive official certificates and festival memorabilia as a token of appreciation.
The film festival opens with filmmaker Anam Biswas inaugurating the event.
On the final day, May 31, 2025, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostafa Sarwar Farooki will attend the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
Both ceremonies will be chaired by Mohammad Wares Hossain.
One of the highlights of the festival is a masterclass scheduled for May 30, 2025.
Held at the National Theatre Archive Room, the session will cover sound and cinematography in which 30 selected filmmakers will take part.
The masterclass will be led by industry professionals Nahid Masud and Rashed Zaman, both known for their expertise and contribution to Bangladeshi cinema.
Fayez Zahir, director of the Department of Drama and Film, is leading the festival’s operations, with Md Ikramul Islam coordinating the event.
Together, they’ve ensured that the festival is not only a platform for showcasing talent but also a space for learning and critical dialogue.
The Bangladesh Short and Documentary Film Festival continues to prove that short and documentary films are essential for cultural and social commentary.
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