BFFS to host National Film Society Conference on May 16

The Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies (BFFS) is set to organise the National Film Society Conference 2026 on May 16 at the Bangladesh Film Archive in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The daylong conference will begin at 10 am and bring together representatives from more than 100 film societies across the country, alongside organisers and independent filmmakers. Discussions will focus on the current state of Bangladesh’s film society movement, existing challenges, and future plans for strengthening film culture nationwide.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan is expected to attend the opening session as chief guest. At the closing ceremony, awards will be handed over by the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy, Information and Culture, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman.

The conference will also feature film screenings and special discussion sessions. Two Bangladeshi films — “Barir Naam Shahana” by Leesa Gazi and the Liberation War-based film “Nakshi Kanthar Zamin” by Akram Khan — will be screened during the event.

Separate panel discussions titled “Film societies outside Dhaka” and “University-based film societies” will also be organised, where grassroots organisers will share their experiences and perspectives.

As part of the conference, two awards will be presented in recognition of contributions to the film movement: the BFFS Medal 2025 (Organisation of the Year) and the Film Society Honour 2026 (BFFS Lifetime Achievement Award). Organisers will also publish a special commemorative publication marking the occasion.

Established in 1973, the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies has long served as the central organisation for the country’s film society movement. In addition to promoting healthy film culture and audience development, the organisation also plays a key role in selecting Bangladesh’s submission for the Academy Awards.

Organisers hope the conference will offer new direction for the development of Bangladesh’s film ecosystem.