Russian Cultural Center, Russian Society and Stamford University jointly organised a program, titled "Russian Film Festival and Photo Exhibition" yesterday, to present an opportunity for everyone to watch Russian movies on the big screen, in Dhaka.

The famous Russian film "Ballad of a Soldier" ​​was screened on the first day of the festival. The two-day event will conclude on Tuesday (October 3). Two films "Heart of a Dog" and "Pirates of the 20th Century" will be screened today.

The photo exhibition, on the other hand, is arranged around the various roles of the Russian government towards Bangladesh. After independence, the Russian army assisted the Bangladeshi government in removing landmines from various parts of the country. In addition, Russian sailors had a role in the formation of the newly independent Bangladesh Navy. These factors have been displayed in the photography exhibition.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Aleksandr Mantytsky was the chief guest at the opening ceremony. Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Stamford University, Fatinaaz Feroz, University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Yunus Mia, Russian Cultural Center Head Pavel Alexandrovich and Chairman of the Department of Film and Media at Stamford University and filmmaker Dr Matin Rahman, were present as special guests amongst others.

The former chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman was present as the primary moderator while the event was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of Stamford University, Prof Dr Moniruzzaman.

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Referring to the Great Liberation War of 1971, Russian Ambassador Mantytsky said, "Russia's cultural relations with Bangladesh are long and historic. People from two countries can get to know each other through cultural exchanges. This film festival has been organised to continue that trend. Hope our friendship will grow stronger."

In his speech, the Russian Cultural Center head said, "Bangladesh is intimately connected with Russian art and culture. The Soviet government has helped the country in many ways during the Liberation War. Since then, the Soviet Union and Russia have provided opportunities for higher education by providing scholarships to the students of this country."

Filmmaker Matin Rahman said, "The first film school in the world began in the Soviet Union. On the other hand, Stamford University Bangladesh was the first to include film as a subject at the university level in Bangladesh. The practice of learning the culture through films, in both countries, is rather long.

VC Moniruzzaman concluded the programme by thanking the Russian Cultural Center and the Russian Society for supporting them.