Speech
by the Hon’ble Foreign Minister at the inaugural of
the “Iranian Women Filmmakers Session”, the
2nd
International Film Festival Bangladesh
(National
Museum, 2nd December 2004)
Mr.
Chairman,
Ambassador
Beheshti of Iran,
Excellencies,
Distinguished
guests,
Ladies
and Gentlemen,
I
am indeed very happy to be here today to inaugurate
this session on Iranian Women Filmmakers, the Focus
Segment of the 2nd Film Festival of Bangladesh.
This festival, which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble
Prime Minister yesterday, is being organized by the
Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies.
Beautiful
Iran was a centre of ancient civilization. It bore
a treasuretrove of knowledge for the entire mankind.
I have always had great respect and admiration for
the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Iran. Therefore,
it is all the more pleasant for me to be present on
this auspicious occasion.
Bangladesh
and Iran are bound by fraternal ties and shared culture
and heritage. It is natural therefore that in Bangladesh
there would be an interest in Iranian films. But there
is more than this affinity that has prompted the organizers
to showcase Iranian women filmmakers in the Focus
segment of the festival.
Iranian films and filmmakers represent excellence
in the global repertoire of contemporary cinema. Iran
has produced filmmakers like Majid Majidi, Kheyarustumi,
Mohsin Makhmalbaff and others who are today names
recognized across the world. Beyond these world-class
giants of Iranian film, there is also an increasing,
and impressive list, of women filmmakers who are producing
outstanding films. Their works constitute the focus
of the 2nd International Film Festival
being held in Bangladesh. The Iranian Embassy in Dhaka
deserves congratulations for their assistance in organizing
this segment.
Ladies
and gentlemen,
Dhaka has been the hub of diverse cultural
activities, which are recognized not only in South
Asia but also beyond. The institutionalization of
this Festival, which the Federation launched last
year, is now on its way to becoming part of the colourful
cultural calendar of the city. Although the vibrant
film industry that Dhaka boasted of in the 1950s,
1960s and 1970s, today has much to be desired, there
has been a parallel trend that has produced quality
films and filmmakers. Much of this independent parallel
trend owes to the dedication of film society activists
of Bangladesh. Over the last 3/4 decades, the film
society movement has not only produced a growing pool
of viewers of good films but also created a generation
of talented young filmmakers, some of whom have already
won international acclaim. It is only appropriate
therefore that the apex body of film societies, Bangladesh
Federation of Film Societies (BFFS), should take the
initiative to bring to Bangladesh such an international
event.
During
the Festival, the city of Dhaka, Narayanganj and the
Divisional towns will be treated to a feast of films
representing diverse cultures, genres and themes.
This also brings together filmmakers, both old and
new, in a conclave of cultures; and helps build bridges
of
co-operation and amity between and among peoples.
This is essentially what films are about and gives
to cinema its inherent power to connect, and connect
with an immediacy and intensity.
Ladies
and Gentlemen,
I
congratulate the organizers on arranging a great show.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is happy to have been
associated with the Festival. We feel that an event
of such scale and participation adds to our national
prestige and enhances our image as an active and contributing
member of the international community. I would like
to assure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will
continue to support such endeavours in future.
With
these words, I declare this session open.
I
thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
*
* * * *
Back
