United News of Bangladesh

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has emphasised that state awards are not just mere accolades but also serve as a manifesto of a government’s political and cultural philosophy, and the interim government's ideology got reflected in Thursday's Ekushey Padak ceremony. Farooki shared his reflections on the event in a Facebook post on Thursday, highlighting a departure from the traditionally solemn atmosphere of such programs. Bangladesh’s youths also ready to take lead in building new world:  CA “From my previous experience of watching such events on television, I have witnessed a sense of grandeur and gravity; however, this time, I saw vibrancy and spontaneity. The entire auditorium today seemed to resonate with the emotions of a new Bangladesh,” he wrote. One of the significant aspects of this year’s Ekushey Padak ceremony, according to Farooki, was the break from conventional protocols. For the first time, award recipients were given the opportunity to share their emotions on stage, making the ceremony more engaging and heartfelt. “Usually, we do not get to hear from the awardees, despite them being at the heart of such occasions. This time, we broke protocol and invited them to share their feelings, which led to several emotional moments,” Farooki said in the post. All four Avro Developers to jointly receive Ekushey Padak: Farooki The adviser also pointed out the remarkable instances of protocol flexibility, including the separate photography sessions deviating from the standard format and impromptu adjustments during the program. “These changes were possible because the chief adviser and everyone present in the auditorium were overwhelmed with the same emotions,” he remarked. Expressing gratitude, Farooki extended his appreciation to key figures involved in organising the event, including advisers Wahiduddin Mahmud, Asif Nazrul, and Adilur Rahman Khan, along with Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, the Chief Adviser’s Office, and officials from his ministry. He also commended the members of the Special Security Force (SSF) for their cooperation and adaptability in accommodating the new arrangements. Conveying his heartfelt applause to the award recipients while acknowledging their contributions in elevating the prestige of the honours, Farooki wrote, “Your work will continue to inspire future generations to achieve greater excellence.” One of the most star-studded recipient's lineups of Ekushey Padak in history, this year's Ekushey Padak selection has received massive applause from all walks of life for including some of the most prolific and influential personalities and groups, including the four-person founding team of Bengali language software Avro and the Bangladesh National Women Football Team.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has selected eight directors to make films on the July uprising under its “Remembering Monsoon Revolution” programme. These directors will lead workshops in eight divisions of the country and produce medium-length films with the trained personnel. Cultural Affairs Ministry unveils seven priority projects to inspire youth after July Revolution Suman Rahman, a member of the search committee, announced the names of the directors on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Secretariat. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki was present at the press conference. Rahman said that the search committee aimed to select filmmakers who will conduct workshops in eight divisional cities of Bangladesh in 2025 and create eight films with participants trained during the workshops. The selected directors are: Anom Biswas, Humayra Bilkis, Shankha Dasgupta, Shaheen Dil Riaz, Robiul Alam Robi, Tasmiya Afrin Mou, and Mohammad Tawkir Islam. Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin’s 110th birth anniversary being observed While outlining the initiative's objectives, Rahman said, “Firstly, the aim is to establish communication between young people interested in film production, both inside and outside Dhaka, and to provide opportunities for them to develop their skills and talents. Second, to directly apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the training by participating in film production with the same trainers.” He added, “There is no fixed framework for these workshops and film productions. This will allow artists to implement their own work methods and creativity to the fullest, and they will be more comfortable creating artistic, politically charged, revolutionary, and youth-oriented languages.” Rahman also expressed hope that the films would reflect the experiences of Bangladeshis, particularly following the long period of struggles and the blood-soaked July-August revolution. "We hope to see an artistic representation of that in these films," he said. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said, “In selecting these film directors, we didn’t look at whether they had done 50 films; what mattered more was whether they had done a work that we could refer to. We tried to see if they had the spark.” He also assured that the selected directors have complete freedom to create their films. “We have given them complete freedom regarding what they will create. We don’t want this to become another failed government project. We want these eight films to be engaging. We want these films to show the way forward for the future of filmmaking. These elements will certainly be present in their stories.” Curtain rises on 6th National Sculpture Exhibition at BSA The government will provide full financial support for the films' creation. The directors, along with the search committee, will determine the budget. Farooki said that the production work for these films must be completed by June. The ministry will create a Google form for each division’s workshop, allowing interested individuals to apply. The directors of the respective divisions will select the candidates, according to Rahman.

Renowned filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s latest venture, 840, is slated for nationwide release on December 13. The filmmaker shared the information in a Facebook post on Sunday evening. The trailer of the film “840: Democracy Pvt Ltd” was released on Friday night. Mehazabien set to debut on silver screen with ‘Priyo Maloti’ Featuring a stellar cast, including Nasir Uddin Khan, Marzuk Russell, Fazlur Rahman Babu, and Zakia Bari Mamo, the film also highlights local talents from Rajshahi and Naogaon. Farooki, known for his sharp satirical lens, had previously captured attention with his film 420, which critiqued contemporary social and political anomalies. Chhayanaut to publish all content across various social platforms The film is produced by Nusrat Imrose Tisha in association with Impress Telefilm.

Bangladeshi film director, producer, and screenplay writer Mostofa Sarwar Farooki ushered in a new wave in the Bangladeshi drama and film industry in the early 2000s. His vision redefined storytelling, breaking away from traditional screenplays and conventions. His works, from advertisements to feature films, captivated audiences and reshaped industry norms. He also paved the way for Bangladeshi cinema’s emergence on the global stage. Let’s explore the iconic films and dramas that defined Farooki's career in the creative sector. Top 10 Films & Dramas by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki  . Bachelor | 2004 Written by acclaimed writer Anisul Hoque, this comedy-romantic movie marks Farooki's directorial debut. Through witty humor, the film depicts the lives, loves, and emotions of a group of bachelors, each representing the essence of modern youth. The cast features celebrated actors like Humayun Faridi, Ferdous Ahmed, Shabnur, and Ahmed Rubel. It also introduced talents like Aupee Karim, Jaya Ahsan, and Marzuk Russell to Bangladeshi cinema. Recognized internationally, ‘Bachelor’ was officially selected at the New Jersey Independent South Asian Cine Fest, Third Eye IFF in Mumbai, and Italy’s Asiatica Filmmedia. Made in Bangladesh | 2006 Based on the novel ‘Jimmi’ by Anisul Hoque, this political satire captures the frustrations of Bangladesh’s disillusioned youth. Farooki crafts a bold narrative through the character of Khorshed, an unemployed young man played by Zahid Hasan. He confronts the pervasive corruption and social injustice that affect every aspect of life. Shahiduzzaman Selim, Rosey Siddique, Tariq Anam Khan, Srabosti Dutta Tinni, Tania Ahmed, Jayanto Chattopadhyay, Hasan Masood, Marzuk Russell, and Fazlur Rahman Babu round out the cast. Praised for its daring commentary, this movie received a Special Mention from the Jury Board at the 2008 Dhaka International Film Festival. Carrom-1 and 2 | 2006 This two-episode telefilm, co-written by Farooki and Kochi Khondokar, brings humor and heart to the tale of Shafiqul, who has a physical ailment–an issue with his finger. He faces ridicule from neighbors who doubt his ability to win at the carrom game. He accepts the challenge of defeating Tapan, a renowned local player.  ‘Carrom’ featured Mosharraf Karim, who charmed audiences with his quirky and heartfelt performance. The cast also includes Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Rifat Chowdhury, Kochi Khondokar, Bappi Ashraf, and Ishtiaq Ahmed Rumel. 420 | 2007-2008 With a compelling portrayal of local politics, this drama series is one of Farooki's most celebrated works on television. The comedy serial centers on two brothers from a rural background who find themselves unintentionally involved in the city’s political scene. As the brothers rise to influence, they quickly discover the murky compromises and ethical challenges. Starring Mosharraf Karim and Lutfur Rahman George as the central duo, the series boasts actors including Tisha, Sohel Khan, Marzuk Russell, Rifat Chowdhury, Kochi Khondokar, and Siddiqur Rahman. Their performances, combined with Farooki’s insightful writing and direction, made 420 a cultural touchstone for Bangladeshi audiences. Sixty Nine | 2008-2009 Jointly created by Anisul Hoque and Farooki, this popular family drama series provides an authentic look at a family, where traditional bonds test modern life’s demands. The storyline revolves around a family with six children who live together in a single apartment building, yet they struggle to spare quality time amid their busy lives.  The drama series features an ensemble cast that includes Tisha, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Hasan Masood, Jaya Ahsan, Srabosti Dutta Tinni, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Ahmed Rubel, Marzuk Russell, and Rifat Chowdhury. Farooki’s direction shines as he balances lighthearted storytelling with insights into family dynamics, creating a series that resonates with audiences of all generations.

Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, renowned Bangladeshi filmmaker, makes his acting debut with “Something Like An Autobiography”. The second teaser of the film elaborates more than the first one, and was released on November 5.  Chorki shared the teaser from its Facebook page. Shortly after that, the director of the film posted it on his verified Facebook page. The first teaser was released on October 5. Since then, the film has generated discussions among fans as well as the media. Let's find out more about this film. Behind the Creation of "Something Like An Autobiography" Chorki, the popular OTT (over-the-top) platform in Bangladesh, is going to produce 12 films by 12 top filmmakers for its viewers.  The project under the supervision of Mostofa Sarwar Farooki is named "Ministry of Love." Two films under the project have already been completed, which are directed by Farooki. One is "Last Defenders of Monogamy," starring Chanchal Chowdhury, and the other is "Something Like an Autobiography." Read more: Top 10 Bollywood Movies Being Released in November 2023 Story and Screenplay Director-actress couple Farhan and Tithi have been married for 10 years but have no children. They have to face various criticisms in a conservative patriarchal society. They decide to have children during the pandemic. More complications start to build up around them. With this plot, Farooki and noted actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha lead the movie's story.  The story begins with Farhan (played by Farooki) and Tithi (played by Tisha) in love, then their marriage, and the challenges society throws at them. Read more: 12 Most Awaited South Indian Movies Releasing in November 2023: A Sneak Peek

Acclaimed filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki is making his acting debut with his web film "Something Like an Autobiography" as part of Chorki’s "Ministry of Love" anthology film series. Farooki, along with his wife, actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha, will be coming together on screen for the film as their first-ever acting project, for which they have also co-written the screenplay. Also read: No filmmaker should experience what I did: Farooki Chorki revealed the first look of this film on its social media handles on Wednesday afternoon. "For almost the last 25 years, I have been trying to tell different stories. Those stories have impacted our audiences more or less, and my experiments regarding acting and storytelling always continued for those stories, but the one thing I always kept myself distant from was acting." "When I was writing this film with Tisha, we realised that we both had to act in this film. I was initially hesitant about it, but Rony (Chorki CEO) and Tisha insisted. Tisha motivated me by saying that this story could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, so I moved forward," Farooki posted on Facebook regarding his acting debut on Wednesday. Also read: Farooki’s "No Land’s Man" wins Prix du Public award in France Farooki also revealed that the film has been selected to compete at the 28th Busan International Film Festival’s main competition section in October, along with having its world premiere at the festival. According to Chorki, "Something Like an Autobiography" will be competing with some of Asia's most prominent filmmakers this year, including Filipino master filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, Sri Lankan powerhouse Prasanna Vithanaga, and Indonesia's Yosep Anggi Noen, among others, in the ‘Kim Jiseok competition category’ for established filmmakers from Asia. Tisha is returning to work after motherhood with this film. "I had no idea I would be able to start working so soon," she added. "Farooki has given me the confidence to get back into shape and work, and I thank the Almighty for allowing me to work on such an emotional story, especially after the birth of our daughter Ilham," the actress remarked. Also read: Chorki to bring ‘Shurongo’ with extended Director’s Cut version Like every other artist, I also hold expectations regarding my works, but I have great expectations regarding this particular film, as this is our special story. This film is like our second child. Farooki is a brilliant filmmaker, and with 'Something Like an Autobiography', the audiences will get to see how good of an actor he is," Tisha said. Chorki CEO Redoan Rony said, "This film is very special from other films, as Farooki Bhai acted for the first time in this movie. We are all looking forward to seeing him on screen. Also, this is the first Chorki Original film to go to the Busan Film Festival, which is a great matter of pride for us." Farooki has directed two web films for Chokri’s "Ministry of Love" anthology series while overseeing the project, which is set to bring 12 new web films with 12 acclaimed filmmakers. His other film, "Last Defenders of Monogamy," stars Chanchal Chowdhury and singer Xefer in the lead roles.

After getting the clearance for his much-anticipated film ‘Shonibar Bikel’ (Saturday Afternoon) from Bangladesh Film Censor Board on Saturday afternoon, acclaimed filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said that he is thankful but does not want any filmmaker to experience what he had to endure film for the last four years. “I feel relieved to get this news finally after all these years. At the same time, I just want to say that whatever I have gone through for this film - I don’t want any filmmaker to go through those,” Farooki told UNB on Saturday. For the last four years, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s 8th directorial film Shonibar Bikel - a Bangladeshi-German-Russian co-production, a political thriller inspired by the 2016 Holey Artisan massacre in Gulshan shot almost entirely in a single take, was stuck and denied the censor certificate from Bangladesh Film Censor Board. It features an ensemble cast of Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Zahid Hasan, Mamunur Rashid, Iresh Zaker, Nader Chowdhury, Gousul Alam Shaon, Indian-Bengali film actor-director Parambrata Chatterjee and Palestinian actor Eyad Hourani in the lead characters, and received multiple awards at different festivals across the world since being ready for its theatrical release in 2019. Read: ‘Shonibar Bikel’ gets censor clearance on a Saturday afternoon Despite the filmmaker claiming several times that the film was fictionalised based on the incident and not direct documentation of the event, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud previously stated that the Bangladesh Film Censor Board did not grant the film its censorship as the board's members at the time considered a number of factors, including the internal security and external reputation of the nation. He also stated that the film did not properly highlight the contribution of members of the police, RAB and army during the 2016 Holy Artisan attack. “Unfortunately, it has been banned in Bangladesh on the grounds it could “damage the country’s reputation” and incite religious hatred. The only thing this Bangladesh-Germany co-prod could do to the country’s reputation is improving it, and its plea for religious tolerance is nothing short of touching. While the body of the film is shot in a single, excited take, it opens with a series of shots emphasizing the deceptive stillness of Dhaka on a lazy Saturday morning,” The Hollywood Reporter reviewed the film in May 2019. Although Farooki and Shonibar Bikel continued fighting for its approval and censor certificate, Bollywood, in the meantime, moved forward with the movie ‘Faraaz’. The Hansal Mehta directorial is based on the same incident and is scheduled to have its theatres release in India on February 3, and the film narrates a more direct reflection of the actual event than ‘Shonibar Bikel’, many audiences and film observers opined after the release of its theatrical trailer. Read: Holey Artisan victim's mother vows to fight release of Bollywood film on tragedy When Shonibar Bikel's clearance was not granted before ‘Faraaz’, Farooki and numerous other acclaimed and renowned artists, cultural personalities and filmmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the media and demanded justice for the film. The filmmaker and associates raised their united voice in two major events in the past year against the ‘unnecessary censorship’ and injustice against the film - first at a unique press conference on August titled “Golpo Bolar Swadhinata Chai” at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital, and also at the maiden edition of the daylong summit on December 30 titled ‘FAB Fest 2022’, organised by Film Alliance Bangladesh, a think-tank comprising stakeholders in the film industry and media professionals of the country. Finally, when the release date of ‘Faraaz’ was announced and the trailer of the film got released on the T-Series YouTube channel last week, a united outrage cast over the social media platforms and many urged the censor board to rewatch and review the decision. Read More: Holey Artisan Victim Faraaz's Heroism is Now on the Silver Screen The members of the appeal board - consisting of actress and lawmaker Suborna Mustafa, Jatiya Press Club general secretary and former censor board vice chairman Shyamal Dutta, eminent silver screen actress Sucharita and former Additional Secretary Nurul Karim, saw the film on Saturday, before announcing that there are now no obligations to theatrically release the film. According to Shyamal Dutta, since the film is not an exact adaptation of the events of Holey Artisan, there is no obstacle to its release. There is no need to add or modify any scenes; the events of this film have nothing to do with the events that took place in Holey Artisan. This is not a direct depiction of the events of Holy Artisan, and the appeal board suggested the director make such a declaration before realising the film. “How does it feel to watch everyone else sprint while you remain still? I felt so useless for a very long time! Although I have no idea how it appears from the outside - but I can tell from the inside, there are no lonely people like artists. The feeling that engulfed me, along with my own worthlessness on ‘Shonibar Bikel’ for the past four years, was loneliness,” Farooki said, as his last theatrical work was the late Indian actor Irrfan Khan starrer 2017 film ‘Doob’ (No Bed of Roses), which was the Bangladeshi entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards. Read More: Foreign envoys remember those killed in Holey Artisan attack Finally relieved with the clearance, Farooki told UNB: “I want to convey my gratitude to the Film Alliance of Bangladesh (FAB) alongside my colleagues and friends from the filmmaking community and most importantly, our audiences. Many people from different sectors of our society raised their voices for the film, and I am immensely grateful to all of them.” “To receive the film censor board's approval for ‘Shonibar Bikel’ - I had to wait four long years. I sincerely hope that no other filmmaker goes through something similar. The appeal board has yet to send us a formal letter regarding the censorship. We will complete all necessary procedures, include a disclaimer, and submit the letter after receiving it. We want the movie to be out on February 3 or sooner," Farooki said. Read More: Govt satisfied with Holey Artisan attack verdict: Law Minister.

Noted filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has tested positive for Covid-19. The acclaimed filmmaker confirmed the matter sharing the news on his official Facebook profile. "Positive! Even after following all safety measures strictly! So everyone please take care and keep your spirit high!," Farooki wrote Saturday noon. According to Farooki's wife and actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Farooki is currently staying at home and doing well. READ: “Relieved from a four-year-long depressing hiatus”: Mostofa Sarwar Farooki The couple underwent Covid test on Friday. On July 26, Farooki took the first doze of vaccine, which he confirmed on social media through sharing pictures. After four long years of absence on silver screen and drama productions, Farooki made a monumental comeback with his maiden web series ‘Ladies & Gentlemen’ on July 9. The series is produced and being broadcasted on ZEE5 Global, the largest OTT platform for South Asian content. READ: Farooki's 'Doob' most viewed content on Netflix from Bangladesh Starring Tasnia Farin and veteran actor Afzal Hossain in the lead roles alongside an ensemble cast featuring Mostofa Monwar, Hasan Masud, Partha Barua, Iresh Zaker and Mamunur Rashid among others, the eight-episode series garnered highly positive reactions on social media platforms regarding the aesthetic of the content, based on contemporary social circumstances.

Mostofa Sarwar Farooki's last international film "Doob" (No Bed of Roses) has become the most viewed content from Bangladesh on popular streaming platform Netflix.

'Saturday Afternoon' (Shonibar Bikel), the 8th feature film of acclaimed director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, has won the Kumamoto City Award at the Fukuoka International Film Festival in Japan.