A Celebration of Global Cinema

The 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) 2025: A Celebration of Global Cinema

The 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) is set to captivate audiences from January 11 to January 19, 2025. This prestigious event will showcase 220 films from 75 countries across 10 categories, including 44 films from Bangladesh. The festival will kick off with the screening of the Chinese science fiction comedy "Moon Man", and conclude with the Bangladeshi film "Boli".

The opening ceremony will be held at 4:00 PM on January 11 at the National Museum's main auditorium. The event will be presided over by Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission and Executive Member of the festival committee1. Information Adviser Nahid Islam will attend as the chief guest, while Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Xu Yang, Director of the International Department of the China Film Administration, will be present as special guests.

Throughout the festival, screenings will take place at various venues, including the National Museum, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Green University of Bangladesh Auditorium, and North South University. Attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of feature and short films, cultural events, exhibitions, and masterclasses led by prominent film professionals.

The festival aims to foster cultural exchange and celebrate global cinema, with the slogan "Better Film, Better Audience, Better Society". Whether you're a film enthusiast or a professional in the industry, the 23rd DIFF promises to be an enriching and inspiring experience.

Despite facing budget constraints, the organizers have ensured that the festival remains as vital as ever. The number of foreign delegations has been reduced, but the event will still feature six Indian films, including "Padatik". The festival will also include a painting exhibition titled "Perspective" curated by artist Lutfa Mahmuda Akter at Alliance Française de Dhaka.

The two-day masterclass, a festival highlight, will take place from January 17 to 18. Prominent film professionals like Chinese director Zhang Yudi, Serbian film scholar Prof Dragan Milinkovic, Norwegian film producer Augie Hoffert, and Bangladeshi cinematographer Rashed Zaman will share their expertise in a series of insightful sessions at the Cineplex auditorium of the National Museum.

The 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival is not just a platform for filmmakers, critics, and audiences to come together, but also a celebration of the art of cinema. It's an opportunity to explore diverse cultures, stories, and perspectives through the lens of film. So mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired by the magic of movies at the 23rd DIFF!