The Cannes Festival draws to a close on Saturday, with a wry Iranian film about political prisoners and a Ukrainian-directed drama about despotism among the frontrunners to pick up the Palme d'Or top prize.

After receiving praise from audiences across all age groups on the big screen, OTT platforms, and television channels, Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz’s directorial venture “Omar” has now made its way to YouTube. The film was released on the Cinemawala channel at 12 pm on May 22.

Actress Mousumi Hamid, a former Lux Channel i Superstar, has spent over a decade carving a niche for herself in Bangladeshi showbiz through television, OTT, and film. Her recent project took her deep into the Sundarbans, marking a memorable first: shooting inside the world's largest mangrove forest.

Since childhood, Sarika Sabah has immersed herself in the world of art, taking classical dance lessons and specialising in Kathak. Over time, her dedication to dance grew, yet a deeper desire began to burn within her—a dream to one day find her place among the stars. She began her journey in the entertainment industry with TVCs in 2019, while she was a second-year CSE student at North South University, and quickly rose to prominence, winning hearts with her portrayal of Jhumur in Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz’s popular mega serial “Family Crisis”.

Regarding her experience working with Shakib Khan, Jaya shared, “Shakib Khan is a major star in our industry. I must say, he’s doing exceptionally well. Although we shared screen previously, this time while working on ‘Taandob’, I noticed he has become even more dedicated and serious about his craft.”

The programme began at 6pm with a red-carpet reception that welcomed iconic names such as Afzal Hossain, Dilara Zaman, Bidya Sinha Mim, Tasnia Farin, and Mehazabien Chowdhury, alongside a vibrant gathering of actors, directors, and cultural personalities. Making their debut as hosts for the event were Afran Nisho and Tasnia Farin, who helmed the ceremony with charm and poise.

“Priyo Maloti” was the biggest winner of the night, earning three major awards: Best Full-Length Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Actress.

The web-series “Rongila Kitab” won the Best Web Series award at the 26th edition of the ongoing Meril-Prothom Alo Awards 2024. This Hoichoi original series has been created by Anam Biswas.

He recalled that childhood moment as a memorable experience and viewed acting and its associated culture as a cornerstone of his personal growth and a source of inspiration for his journey ahead. 

In the usual run-of-the-mill Bangladeshi cinema, where narratives often orbit around male protagonists and their odysseys, Dibarah Mahboob's “Kraati” emerges as a pleasant anomaly—a short film centred around two young women, an upper-middle-class daughter and her resilient househelp. Set against the backdrop of the July Monsoon Revolution of 2024, “Kraati” delves into their intertwined lives and shared struggles for autonomy and respect, in a society run very much within the patriarchal framework. Drawing from her anthropological background and personal experiences, Mahboob crafts a narrative that is both intimate and universally resonant. While “Kraati” does not explicitly reference the movement, its spirit pulses through the film’s core. With an air of revolution already in the atmosphere, the resonance with the film’s themes was not planned but organically folded in during its shoot. You feel it in the subtext: the desire for autonomy, the hunger for respect, and the need to push against invisible walls.

Two of Hollywood’s most anticipated films- “Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning” and Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” are set to release today at Star Cineplex, sparking major excitement among Bangladeshi moviegoers.

The highly anticipated Marvel Studios titles “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars” have officially been pushed back, as part of a broader reshuffle in Disney’s theatrical release calendar.

The breakthrough came during a meeting held Thursday (May 22) afternoon at Star Cineplex’s Bashundhara City branch, where both parties agreed on a revised revenue-sharing model. While the exact financial terms remain undisclosed, the agreement is being hailed as a significant move towards greater transparency and collaboration in the country’s film exhibition sector.

Bangladesh is proudly being represented at the 78th Cannes Film Festival with the short film “Ali”, directed by Adnan Al Rajib. The film is scheduled to be screened today, with each short film at the festival typically receiving two screenings on the same day.

Hoichoi has officially released the trailer for its highly anticipated original series “Bohemian Ghora”. The trailer offers a glimpse into a wildly unpredictable, humorous, and emotional rollercoaster that awaits viewers on June 5.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a striking return to the Cannes Film Festival this year, marking her 22nd appearance with a bold departure from the conventional red carpet fare. She wore a custom “Banarasi sari and rubies by Manish Malhotra,” a look that fused traditional Indian craft with contemporary couture.

Zach Braff is set to return as JD in a “Scrubs” reboot, currently in development at ABC. The revival, executive produced by original creator Bill Lawrence, marks a long-awaited comeback to Sacred Heart Hospital.

“Shironaam” delves into contemporary societal issues, reflecting the aspirations and challenges of ordinary people. Nirab expressed that the film's narrative is both meaningful and timely, aiming to resonate with audiences seeking compelling storytelling. He emphasised his dedication to the role, stating that he undertook all necessary preparations to bring Ibrahim to life convincingly.

Two Bangladeshi films have been officially selected for the 33rd edition of the Raindance Film Festival in the United Kingdom. Nuhash Humayun’s “Dui Shaw” and Maksud Hossain’s “Saba” will be screened under the Narrative Feature category at the prestigious event.

Joachim Trier’s latest feature, “Sentimental Value”, received the most thunderous response at this year’s Cannes Film Festival so far, drawing a 15-minute standing ovation well past midnight yesterday.