Nineteen films that have been selected for receiving Tk 12.15 crore grants from the government for the fiscal year 2021-22 on Wednesday. Ten films are receiving Tk 60 lakh each, four films Tk 65 lakh each and another four films Tk 70 lakh each. The Information Ministry published the list of the films and the amount of grant though a circular on Wednesday. A film directed by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury is getting the highest amount, which is Tk 75 lakh. Also read: Jennifer Lopez becomes Grameen America’s National Ambassador The films that are receiving the grants are—Joy Banglar Dhoni (Based on the 1971 Liberation War), Ekattor-Korotole Chinnomatha (Liberation War-based), Japito Jibon, Juddho Jibon, Banalata Sen, Otopor Rokeya, 1969, Bangabandhur Renu, Dodor Golpo, Bokul Kotha, Arji, Eito Jibon, Ahare Jibon, Ontorkhola, Bhashar Jonno Momotaz, Lal Shari, Bicharaloy, Maya and Muktir Chotogolpo. Short films that are receiving the grants are—Ekti Vorer Opekkhay (Film), Loknattya Proshongo O Dhamer Gaan (Documentary), Jol Toronger Gaan (Documentary), Athlete Sultana Kamal (Film), Bakita Itihash (Film) and Bamadesh (Film). Also read: Omar Sani comes live after Moushumi says “Zayed is a good boy"

The advancement of technology emerged as a blessing for the new generation of filmmakers, as smartphones can play vital roles in quality filmmaking, popular filmmaker Amitabh Reza Chowdhury said in a recent social media campaign of international smartphone and technology brand Vivo. “Every frame is a reflection of reality, and filmmaking has been much easier these days with the advancement of technology. Our young and promising filmmakers should resort to smartphones to create content like short films and even feature films, as the qualities of smartphones have been accelerated through brands like Vivo,” he stated. The global smartphone brand has recently launched its brand new flagship device Vivo X80 with game-changing photography and videography compatibilities, and brought the model into Bangladesh aligning with its global release.  Marking the occasion, the brand has recently launched a campaign on its official Facebook page titled “Vivo X League”, featuring four talented Bangladeshi leaders of their individual principality: famous cricket commentator and former player Athar Ali Khan, renowned cinematographer Rashed Zaman, eminent filmmaker Amitabh Reza Chowdhury and Vivo Bangladesh Product Director David Lee. “To me, phones are not only the essential means of human communications but also a storytelling tool these days. My phone helps me in shaping my vision, and the lens of its camera is the most vital part of it.” Also Read: Rickshaw Girl: A Movie by Amitabh Reza won Award in International Film Festival “This is why the collaboration between Vivo and German optoelectronics brand Carl ZEISS excited me. The technology they provided to use through this collaboration, we can use it to make short films and tell stories of international standard,” according to the acclaimed filmmaker. One of the most celebrated filmmakers in the country, Reza has made several popular films and web-films including ‘Hawa Ghor,’ ‘Aynabaji,’ ‘Munshigiri,’ and ‘Rickshaw Girl’ that have left a mark in audiences’ minds.  With his widely acclaimed film Aynabaji, he has created an astounding hype among audiences, also through his popular television and web series like Dhaka Metro and Bandhan. Mobile phone-based filmmaking is getting popular these days among the new generation content makers, and festivals are also taking place dedicated to this genre, such as the Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival (DIMFF) by the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). “You can go to any festival with your stories, and what can be more fascinating than the fact that you can now express yourself in the global platforms with just a single device! Utilizing technological advancement, the youth of this country will tell the stories of this soil and people in the coming days,” the acclaimed filmmaker hopes. END/UNB/MIH/ssk/2307

Good news for move buffs! Amitabh Reza Chowdhury's much-talked-about film 'Rickshaw Girl' is all set to have its premiere in New York on May 5. Hosted by Bioscope Films, the premiere of the movie will be held at the city's famous theatre 'Village East by Angelica', according to Bioscope CEO Raj Hamid.  Also read:Bongo to bring another 7 original telefictions this Eid Amitabh, lead actor Novera Rahman, Momena Chowdhury and many others will be present at the premiere. "Manhattan's 'Village East by Angelica' theatre is a history in itself. We have made all arrangements to make the day memorable, including the red carpet event and more," Raj said. At the premiere, cinephiles will also have the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with the crew of the movie.  Also read:Chorki releases third episode of Nuhash Humayun’s “Pett Kata Shaw” The film is based on the Indian-American author Mitali Perkins' book 'Rickshaw Girl', and she will also be present at the event alongside the cast and crew. ‘Rickshaw Girl’ will be screened at Jamaica Multiplex from May 6-12. The movie will then run in 52 cities in 19 states of America. Novera has played the role of Naima in the movie. The film also stars Champa, Momena, Naresh Bhuiyan and Allen Shuvro.

Dhaka International Youth Film Festival-2020 began virtually on the website and Facebook page of 'Step for Cinema', a youth-oriented organisation of young filmmakers on Wednesday. With an aim to provide new filmmakers with a platform to showcase their creative talents, the festival was inaugurated with country's acclaimed filmmakers Amitabh Reza Chowdhury and Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as the guests of this virtual inauguration. Festival chairperson Anonna Ruma also spoke at the inauguration ceremony, conducted by film critic and screenwriter Sadia Khalid Reeti.

The annual proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2020-2021 was announced on June 11 by Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, with a proposed allocation of Tk 579.26 crore for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, known as the governing body for the overall cultural sector of Bangladesh in general.