Speech by Hon'ble Foreign Minister Mr. M. Morshed Khan, MP as Chief Guest at the Award Giving Ceremony of the Third International Film Festival Bangladesh organized by Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies at Shaheed Zia Auditorium, National Museum, Dhaka on 07 March 2006.

Chairman of the Festival Committee Enam A. Choudhury
Special Guest High Commissioner Veena Sikri
Guest of Honour Kiran Shantaram
Organizers of the 3rd International Film Festival Bangladesh
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

Assalamu Alaikum and a very good evening

It is indeed a great pleasure for me to be here today to honour someone who had been one of the founding fathers of cinema in the sub-continent. His illustrious career as filmmaker spanned nearly six decades. In many ways V. Shantaram had been a pioneer in using the film medium as an instrument of social change. If filmmaking had been his forte, acting brought out the subtle side of this legendary figure.

In a journey through the world of silent movies to black and white talkies to Technicolor, V. Shantaram made films that brought about a fusion of contemporary themes into mythological dramas. His later works highlighted social issues. I thank the organizers for screening two of the masterpieces of this award winning filmmaker, Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani and Do Aankhen Baara Haath.

I believe this is the first time film critic and audience in Bangladesh had the opportunity to enjoy a number of V. Shantaram films. The special exposition has enriched this Film Festival. The "Portrait of Pioneer" a film based on the life and times of V. Shataram, gave our audiences a glimpse of his greatness.

Today's event is for honouring a great filmmaker and actor. But I will be remiss if I do not appreciate the wonderful arrangements made by the organizers of this festival. It is not an easy task to screen in one week some 111 films from thirty countries. I congratulate the Festival Committee for having done that very efficiently.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Film is a powerful and dynamic media. It has the power to hold an ocean in a nutshell. It can inculcate values, change social norms and create a better society. The Third International Film Festival has contributed to the healthy trend of bringing better films on the silver screen.

Film festivals are like crossroads of world culture. Our talented filmmakers, young and old, many of whom have won international recognition and made the country proud, would definitely improve their creative abilities through this exposure to various trends in international filmmaking.

In conclusion, I would like to extend to all foreign delegates and guests a very warm welcome to Dhaka and hope that their stay here would be enjoyable.

I thank you all.