Azmeri Haque Badhon named Jury Member for Dhaka Film Festival

Renowned Bangladeshi actress Azmeri Haque Badhon has been selected as a jury member for the 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF).

She will be part of the panel for the Women Filmmaker Section. The festival will take place from January 11 to 19, 2025.

Badhon is celebrated for her compelling roles in films like Rehana Maryam Noor and Guti.

The actress continues her advocacy for women’s rights through her involvement in this significant event.

The Women Filmmaker Section features a diverse jury comprising prominent women in cinema.

Other jury members include Chinese producer Mei Po Rainbow Fong, Bangladeshi filmmaker Leesa Gazi, and Iranian actress Hoda Moghaddam Manesh.

The section is dedicated to showcasing feature films, short films, and documentaries by female filmmakers, celebrating their contributions to the global film industry.

An independent jury, selected by the DIFF Festival Committee, cultural experts, and artists, will evaluate the entries.

Two winners will be chosen in this category—one for fiction and another for documentary—each receiving a certificate and a crest.

Additionally, the Best Director award in the Women Filmmaker Section will also include a certificate and crest.

Eligible films must have been produced between 2023 and 2024, with feature-length submissions requiring a minimum runtime of 70 minutes.

The short films and documentaries must be covered within 30 minutes.

Screenings will take place across multiple locations in Dhaka.

This includes venues such as Alliance Française de Dhaka, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and the Bangladesh National Museum Auditorium.

The festival is open to the public, with free entry on a first-come, first-served basis.

This is not Azmeri Haque Badhon’s first stint as a jury member.

In February 2024, she served on the jury for the 15th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFF), organised by the Karnataka Film Academy.

Her growing presence in the international festival circuit underscores her commitment to championing women in cinema and amplifying their voices through her work.

2024 has been a landmark year for Badhon in many ways. In April, she achieved full custody of her child.

Badhon reflected: “My daughter is growing up, and she sees how I’ve walked this path alone.

“This year, she wished for me to have someone in my life.

“I’ve faced a lot of fear and trauma, and only someone who truly understands me could walk with me on this journey.

“I’m very focused. Everything is moving positively, and life is beautiful. Life is all about meaningful work, and it holds significance for me.”