Bangladesh 'country in focus' at International Film Festival of India

Bangladesh will be 'the country in focus' for the 51st International Film Festival of India which begins in Goa from January 16. The country in focus is a special segment that recognizes the cinematic excellence and contributions of the country. The latest development is another sign of the beginning of a new era in the relations between the two neighbours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina had signed a host of MoUs last month cementing further the India-Bangladesh ties.

Hasina had called India "our true friend" during the virtual meeting with Modi, saying "India helped us in the war of 1971 against Pakistan. Their soldiers sacrificed their lives. Our relation is time-tested."

The country in focus section at the 51st IFFI will showcase four films from Bangladesh:

<strong>1.</strong> <strong>Jibondhuli</strong> by TanvirMokammel

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-59948" src="https://indianarrative.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image001ENGT.jpg" alt="Jibondhuli by TanvirMokammel" />

<strong>2.</strong> <strong>Meghmallar</strong> by Zahidur Rahim Anjan

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-59949" src="https://indianarrative.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image0022BPE.jpg" alt="Meghmallar by Zahidur Rahim Anjan" />

<strong>3.</strong> <strong>Under Construction</strong> by Rubaiyat Hossain

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-59950" src="https://indianarrative.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image0038KSE.jpg" alt="" />

<strong>4.</strong> <strong>Sincerely Yours</strong>, Dhaka by NuhashHumayun, Syed Ahmed Shawki, Rahat Rahman Joy, MD RobiulAlam, GolamKibriaFarooki, Mir Mukarram Hossain, Tanvir Ahsan, Mahmudul Islam, Abdullah Al Noor, KrishnenduChattopadhyay, Syed Saleh Ahmed Sobhan

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-59953" src="https://indianarrative.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/image004DNU6.jpg" alt="" />

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. Held annually, the festival aims at providing a common platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excellence of the film art; contributing to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in the context of their social and cultural ethos; and promoting friendship and cooperation among people of the world.

The festival is conducted jointly by the Directorate of Film Festivals (under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and the state government of Goa.

The 51st edition of the festival will open with the Indian premiere of the movie ‘Another Round’ by Thomas Vinterberg. The movie starring Cannes Best Actor Award winner Mads Mikkelsen is among a star-studded line up of movies being showcased at IFFI. The movie is also Denmark’s official entry to the Oscars.

The festival, which will continue till January 24, will also witness the world premier of ‘Mehrunisa’. The film by Sandeep Kumar will premier mid-fest. Starring formidable actor Farrukh Jaffar, the movie narrates the story of a woman’s lifelong dream.

This edition is being organised in a hybrid mode for the first time and will comprise both online and in-person experience. The festival will be loaded with a line-up of famous movies with a total of 224 films from across the globe screened. This includes 21 non-feature films and 26 feature films under the Indian Panorama films section.

The festival will close with the India premier of the historical drama ‘Wife of a Spy’ by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The Japanese film bagged Silver Lion for Best Director at Venice International Film Festival..