Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin’s long-awaited return to cinema has made one of the strongest impressions at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, with his sci-fi thriller “Hope” leaving audiences both stunned and divided after its premiere.

The actor made a cameo appearance in Ashfaque Nipun’s acclaimed web series “Mohanagar 2” as MP Rajab Ali.

The festival, which features works by independent filmmakers from around the world, has previously hosted acclaimed directors such as Kiro Russo, Panah Panahi, Haile Gerima, and Shaji N Karun. This year, Bangladesh’s “Roid” has joined that distinguished line-up.

The tenure of the panel led by Misha Sawdagor and Monowar Hossain Dipjol ended on April 24, 2026.

At the Venice Biennale’s collateral exhibition “Still Joy — From Ukraine into the World”, Bangladeshi visual artist Ashfika Rahman finds herself at the centre of a rare moment of global attention, after her work “Than Para — No Land Without Us” was selected as a New York Times Critics’ Pick among the 6 Must-See Venice Shows.

Instead, she says she has found peace in the life she chose. “I am satisfied with my life. I am genuinely happy.” Still, one regret remains. “My mother did not live long enough to see the beautiful part of my life,” she said quietly. “I could not keep her close to me for long enough. That is the one sorrow I still carry.”

The evening concluded with a musical performance by Rizia Parveen. Event management and concept support for the launch were handled by Ishtishon Communications.

The Kapoor Haveli, built in the early 20th century, is closely associated with the early history of the Kapoor family, including Prithviraj Kapoor and his descendants, who went on to shape Indian cinema.

A verified source confirmed to The Daily Star that a song was filmed in Dhaka on May 14 and 15. The remaining songs will gradually go into production in the coming weeks.

Centred on the final hour of Ferdowsi’s life, the play portrays the ageing poet waiting outside his home in Tus for the reward promised by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni for completing “Shahnameh”.

Anirban Bhattacharya, one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Bengali theatre and cinema, has said he is eager to work in Bangladesh and has already “applied” to do so.

Upcoming Bangladeshi film “Rongbazar” has been released directly on OTT after falling victim to piracy ahead of its planned theatrical release.

Barbra Streisand will no longer attend the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival after suffering a knee injury, despite being selected to receive an honorary Palme d’Or this year.

Kaarina Kaisar, daughter of former Bangladesh national football team captain Kaiser Hamid, was laid to rest this morning (May 18) at her maternal grandparents’ home in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj.

Kristen Stewart has voiced strong criticism of Hollywood’s studio system and corporate structure, describing it as increasingly restrictive for filmmakers and artistes. While promoting her new film “Full Phil” at the Cannes Film Festival, the 36-year-old actress spoke openly about her frustrations with how the American film industry finances, produces, and distributes films.

Cate Blanchett has spoken candidly about her belief that Hollywood’s #MeToo movement “was shut down very quickly,” saying that many of the issues it sought to address still persist on film sets across the United States.

This Eid, she appears in a seven-episode drama. She spoke to The Daily Star about her upcoming projects and the memories that Eid stirs in her.

Hoichoi has officially announced the premiere date for “Bonolota Express”, directed by Tanim Noor and adapted from a novel by Humayun Ahmed.

Earlier this month, Runa Laila received the ‘Minar-E-Dilli’ award at the 15th International Film Festival held in Delhi. She is also set to perform in the upcoming Eid edition of the popular BTV programme “Ananda Mela”.

Bardem’s appearance at the Cannes Film Festival has remained one of the festival’s most closely watched moments. By addressing political tensions directly during the press conference for “My Beloved”, the actor shifted attention beyond cinema toward the ethical responsibilities of public figures and artistes.