The Venice Film Festival kicked off Wednesday with Hollywood royalty arriving for Italy's glitzy movie showcase where a strong line up of star-packed films will vie with protests about the Gaza war for public attention.

Bangladeshi filmmaker Bijon Imtiaz has earned international recognition with his short film “A Thing About Kashem”, which won the Grand Prize in the Alternative Spirit (Short) category at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying event.

Major Hollywood stars including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara have boarded Kaouther Ben Hania’s Gaza-set drama "The Voice of Hind Rajab" as executive producers, giving the film a powerful push ahead of its world premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival.

Today, August 27, 12 Bhadra, marks the death anniversary of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. On the occasion, several television channels are set to air special programmes. Here is a glimpse of the selected line-up.

A new telefilm titled “Priyo Emon Raat”, inspired by a timeless song of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, is set to premiere on Channel i. The production draws from Nazrul’s much-loved romantic song “Priyo Emon Raat Jeno Jai Na Britha”, which continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

The film, "Kok Kok Kookkook", is directed by young filmmaker Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap. But what sets it apart is the presence of Bangladeshi producer SM Nazmul Haque, who helped transform what began as a student project into a full-length feature.

Jahanara Bhuiyan, Active in the 1970s and 1980s, was not only an actress but also a lyricist, director, and producer. She began her career in cinema as a lyricist, writing her first song for “Nimai Sannyasi”, a film directed by her husband, freedom fighter and filmmaker Sirajul Islam Bhuiyan.

Veteran Kannada actor and art director Dinesh Mangaluru, best known for his performances in “KGF” and “Kantara”, passed away at his Mangaluru residence on Monday (August 25) after a prolonged illness. He was 55.

The much-anticipated trailer of hoichoi’s upcoming original series “AKA” was released yesterday at a special event in Dhaka, followed by its online launch across the platform’s official social media handles. The teaser has already generated widespread buzz among fans.

Actress and development professional Rafiath Rashid Mithila has successfully defended her PhD thesis at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, officially earning the title of “Dr”.

After months of speculation, Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra has confirmed that she is expecting her first child. Previously, Parineeti had dismissed all rumours, but the news was finally revealed on Monday through a heartfelt Instagram post.

Actors’ Equity Bangladesh recently organised a two-day special workshop titled “Communication and Skill Development” for its newly enlisted members. The workshop, held on August 22 and 23 at the organisation’s office in Niketan, was attended by 40 participants.

Continuing this tradition, the latest episode has been filmed in Char Fasson, the historic planned township of the island district of Bhola, washed by the Meghna and Tetulia rivers. The stage was set in front of the nearly century-old historic Taffanel Barrett School, built during the British period.

Actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay announced he will contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections from Madurai East, seeking to position his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as a formidable third front in state politics. The declaration came at a massive rally in Madurai on Thursday, attended by thousands of supporters.

Flanagan has become a defining voice in contemporary horror with acclaimed works such as “The Haunting of Hill House”, “Midnight Mass”, and “Doctor Sleep”. His craftsmanship has now earned King’s public endorsement, further cementing his reputation as one of the genre’s most innovative storytellers.

Bangladeshi cinema continues to find its footing on the global stage, with short film “Happy Birthday” by Ruslan Tareq earning international recognition. The 19-minute dark comedy has already secured an Honourable Mention at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (AIMAFF) 2025 and an official selection at the Anatolia International Film Festival in Turkey.

After several years of delays and missed release dates, director Shoibur Rahman Russell has confirmed that his film ‘Nandini’, starring Indraneil Sengupta and Nazira Ahmed Mou, will finally be released in theatres on September 12. The official trailer is scheduled to be launched tomorrow as part of the promotional campaign.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly in discussions to produce a Netflix documentary on Princess Diana, ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death in 2027. The project, considered one of their most personal yet, is being developed under their renewed deal with the streaming giant.

The star couple still have unfinished projects in hand, including “The Spy” and “Netri: The Leader”. Ananta said, “We currently have two or three films. Some are half done, others are 70 percent complete.

Bangladeshi filmmaker Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury has received two prestigious nominations at the newly launched Astar Awards, organised by the International Institute of Film, Science and Arts (IIFSA) in New York.