Why are Bangladeshi films excluded from the Kolkata International Film Festival?

The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) has not included any Bangladeshi films in its 2025 edition, continuing a two-year trend. This exclusion has raised concerns about the festival's selection process and the potential impact of strained Indo-Bangladeshi diplomatic ties.

What Bangladeshi film was submitted to the Kolkata Film Festival but rejected?

A Bangladeshi film called 'Kaffarah', produced by Barkat Hossain Polash, was submitted to the 2025 Kolkata International Film Festival but did not make the final cut despite the festival acknowledging its submission.

How have Bangladeshi filmmakers reacted to the exclusion of their films from the Kolkata Film Festival?

Bangladeshi filmmakers have expressed disappointment over the exclusion of their films from the Kolkata International Film Festival. They believe the festival should focus on the quality and craftsmanship of films, rather than other considerations, and hope the cultural exchange between India and Bangladesh can be revived.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Kolkata Film Fest Bars Bangladeshi Films for Second Year Running

Kolkata Film Fest Bars Bangladeshi Films for Second Year Running

30 Oct

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Summary

Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) has no Bangladeshi films this year
Bangladeshi film 'Kaffarah' was rejected despite being submitted
Strained Indo-Bangladeshi ties cited as possible reason for exclusion

Kolkata Film Fest Bars Bangladeshi Films for Second Year Running

In a concerning development, the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) will not showcase any films from Bangladesh for the second consecutive year. This marks a stark contrast to the previous five years, when Bangladeshi cinema had a presence in the festival's competitive segments.

The 31st edition of KIFF, scheduled to take place in 2025, will feature films from 39 countries, including Guatemala, Palestine, Turkey, and several others. However, a Bangladeshi film, 'Kaffarah', which was submitted for consideration, did not make the final cut despite the festival's acknowledgment of its submission.

The exclusion of Bangladeshi films has raised questions about the festival's selection process and the potential impact of strained Indo-Bangladeshi diplomatic ties. Filmmakers from Bangladesh have expressed their disappointment, with one producer, Barkat Hossain Polash, stating that their film 'Kaffarah' was not selected, possibly because it did not fit the festival's preferences.