Rainbow Film Society, which has been dedicated to the promotion of a healthy cine culture in Bangladesh and in celebrating the global mainstream in film and its social relevance since 1977, organised the festival.

Immediate past Finance Minister AMA Muhith was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony held at the main auditorium of the National Museum.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and chief patron of the DIFF Shahriar Alam presided over the session while festival director Ahmed Muztaba Zamal and Festival Executive Committee member M Hamid were also present on the occasion.

At the 17th DIFF, which will end on January 18, some 220 films from around 72 countries will be screened, say organisers.   
 
The film screenings will be held at the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, Blockbuster Cinemas at Jamuna Future Park, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Central Public Library Auditorium and National Museum Auditorium.

There are competitions named “Asian Cinema Section”, “Retrospective”, “Bangladesh Panorama Section”, “Cinema of the World Section”, “Children Films Section”, “Women Filmmakers Section”, “Short and Independent Films Section” and “Spiritual Films Section”.
 
Like previous years, Rainbow Film Society is also arranging a two-day ‘Fifth Dhaka International Conference on Women in Cinema 2019’ from Friday where woman filmmakers, actors and personalities from all over the world will take part.

Alongside, a two-day long International Film Critics Federation (FIPRESCI) Asian region conference will be held as part of 17th DIFF on January 13-14.
 
The aim of the conference is to motivate and introduce the Asian FIPRESCI members, who are less prioritised and are not getting the privileges properly.
 
Another very important segment that the 2019 DIFF is arranging in continuation of all the previous festivals is the Children’s Film Section. 
 
Around 10 fiction films will be screened in this segment. These screenings are ideal family outings and will be open to all children and adults.
 
One film will be selected by audience vote for the Best Juvenile Film Audience Award. The award will be in the form of a certificate and a crest.
 
Alongside, a day-long programme ‘WEST MEETS EAST’ will be held at the Dhaka International Film Festival on January 14 at the Dhaka Club Samson Lounge.

An international film critic, a prominent festival official, a leading academic and an experienced producer will participate in the segment.