Shilpakala Academy to launch regular ticketed film screenings

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to begin regular ticketed film screenings, offering an alternative platform for independent filmmakers amid a shortage of cinema halls in the country.

Three films will be screened at the academy in Dhaka on August 15 as part of a pilot project. The screenings will take place at the Theatre Hall, with Akash Haque's “The University of Chankharpul” at 3:30 pm, Mohammad Nuruzzaman’s “Mastul” at 6 pm and Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s “Roid” at 8 pm. Tickets will cost Tk 100 for each film.

Deepak Kumar Goswami, director of the academy’s Theatre and Film Department, confirmed the initiative. “Independent filmmakers have been asking for film screenings at Shilpakala for a long time. We have already taken up a pilot project in this regard. As part of it, ticketed film screenings will be held at Shilpakala for the first time this Saturday,” he said.

“We are planning to organise film screenings at least once a week. Later, we plan to expand the programme. Film screenings will also be introduced gradually at Shilpakala academies across the country,” he added.

The initiative comes after a strong response to the three-day Ekal Shekal film festival, held at the National Art Gallery Auditorium of the academy from August 9 to 11. Six films were screened during the free festival. “Roid”, “Mastul” and “The University of Chankharpul” drew particularly large crowds. Long queues formed outside the auditorium, while many viewers sat on the floor and stairs after the seats were filled. Some viewers had to leave without watching the films because of the limited seating capacity.

The response encouraged the academy to introduce ticketed screenings. “Independent film production is increasing in our country. Many good films are being made. Every year, several of them receive praise and awards at international film festivals. But filmmakers do not get enough opportunities to show these films to people in the country because of the shortage of cinema halls,” Deepak Kumar Goswami said.

“If film screenings at Shilpakala can be launched on a larger scale, it will create a new avenue for independent filmmakers. We also saw during the three-day festival that audiences felt comfortable watching films at Shilpakala. So, we believe this will be good for viewers as well,” he said.

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