DIFF Day 6: Cannes, Fajr and Busan-featured films ‘Savanna and the Mountain’, ‘Whisper My Name’ and ‘Kurak’ lead today’s line-up
The 24th Dhaka International Film Festival continues to draw daily crowds, with audiences keen to explore a global slate of films across languages and cultures. On the sixth day of the festival, a varied programme offers cinema lovers multiple standout entries.
At the main venue, National Museum Auditorium, the day begins at 10:30 am with “Papa Buka”, a co-production from Papua New Guinea and India. At 1 pm, the Portuguese–Uruguayan entry “Savanna and the Mountain” screens, followed by “Punishment” from Kazakhstan at 3 pm. The evening closes at 7 pm with the Bangladeshi film “Noya Note”, a story about a beggar who comes across new currency. The film stars Nasir Uddin Khan and is directed by Anonno Proteek Chowdhuri.
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“Papa Buka” follows a team of documentary makers in Papua New Guinea as they search for a site linked to World War II, uncovering layers of national memory in the process. Directed by Bijukumar Damodaran, it became the first film from Papua New Guinea to be submitted for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
“Savanna and the Mountain” depicts the resistance of villagers in Covas do Barroso, Portugal, where a planned lithium mine by a British company meets creative protest through music and community solidarity. Directed by Paulo Carneiro, the film was showcased at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
At Alliance Française de Dhaka, the screening schedule starts at 10:30 am with the Iranian film “Whisper My Name”. At 2:30 pm, audiences can see “Kurak” from Kyrgyzstan, and at 4:30 pm, the Japanese documentary “Tomoshibi”, which tells stories of resilience following the 2011 tsunami.
“Whisper My Name”, directed by Rasoul Sadrameli, centres on Khosro, a long-term mental hospital patient who suddenly remembers that today is his daughter Zeba’s 16th birthday. Determined not to miss it, he embarks on a deeply human journey. The film won Best Film at Iran’s Fajr International Film Festival last year.
“Kurak”, a multiple award-winner at the Busan International Film Festival, explores women’s vulnerability within the patriarchal structures of contemporary Kyrgyz society, drawing from real events.
At the Sofia Kamal Auditorium, National Museum, the line-up includes the Chinese film “Tashi” at 10:30 am, Russia’s “War Child, Choose Science” at 1:00 pm, Luxembourg’s “Whispering Forest” at 3:00 pm, and the Japanese title “S” at 7 pm.
“S”, directed by Ota Masahiro, follows a young alternative filmmaker who is suddenly arrested. Cultural activists rally for his release, but each has their own reasons for joining the cause.
At the National Art Gallery Auditorium of the Shilpakala Academy, the day opens at 10:30 am with India’s “Kishkindha Kaandam”, followed by Kosovo’s “The Odyssey of Joy” at 1 pm and the Bangladeshi entry “The Story of a Rock” at 5 pm.
“The Story of a Rock”, directed by Bangladeshi-American filmmaker Zak Mir, follows a teenage girl whose life is transformed when her mother travels to the Middle East for work. The film was well received at the 19th Tasveer Film Festival.
At Stamford University Auditorium, screenings start at 1 pm with Argentina’s “For Your Sake” ,Italy’s “The Guardian of Stories”, and Azerbaijan’s “A Lonely Person’s Monologue”. A question-and-answer session with the filmmakers follows the screenings.
With films from every continent, today’s schedule reflects the festival’s commitment to presenting diverse voices and expansive stories to Dhaka’s growing cinephile community.
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