The films in the festival share common ground in the sense that they have all received the prestigious South Fund award from the French Government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is given in the form of technical production support based on the excellence of the screenplay. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the South Fund, 12 films from 12 countries are touring around the world.

Among the countries represented in the festival are Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Senegal, South Africa, Tadjikistan and Tunisia. The acclaimed film, Matir Moina, was the first Bangladeshi film to be made with South Fund support. As most of the films in the festival deal with women and child-centred themes, a Festival Advisory Committee has been formed, comprising 15 leading women personalities from different sectors of society to help and give a direction to the festival. Incidentally, most of the festival films come from predominantly Muslim countries.

From December 8-13, four shows a day will be screened at Star Cineplex. Each of the 12 films will be shown twice over this six day period. Since the Star Cineplex is closed on Wednesday December 14, a lively interactive seminar will be organised to discuss the films in the festival at Sufia Kamal Auditorium in the National Museum at 5:30 pm. On the closing day, December 15, the favourites of the festival will be screened.