The 2nd Bangladesh Film Festival organized by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Seoul commenced at the Yongsan Art Hall, Seoul on 11 June 2019.
Chairman, Korea-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group Mr. Kim Kisun, MP and Mayor of Yongsan County Mr. Jang-Hyun Sung graced the occasion as the Guests of Honour in the Festival. Besides, Ambassadors, diplomats from different embassies, Korean dignitaries, Korean nationals and expatriate Bangladeshis attended the event.
Welcoming the guests at the event, Ambassador Abida Islam said that these films selected for the Festival, depict the culture and social fabric of contemporary Bangladesh. She invited everyone to enjoy these Bangladeshi films and hoped that it will further enhance the people to people contact between the two nations. She also acknowledged the support and contribution of Eminent Film Director Morshedul Islam in organizing this Film Festival who could not join the Festival due to his sudden illness.
On behalf of 300,000 residents, Guest of Honor Mayor of Yongsan County Mr. Jang-Hyun Sung congratulated the Embassy for the opening of the 2nd Bangladesh Film Festival. He highlighted the striking similarity between Bangladesh and the Republic of Korea in terms of defending their own language which is a common ground in their respective histories of independence. He also observed similar passion between the two nations while observing the Mother Language Day (21st February) by the Bangladeshis and celebrating the language and writing system on Hangul Day (October 9th) by the Koreans. He hoped that this Festival will connect the people of both the countries through their hearts and minds so that they can get closer in various fields.
The other Guest of Honor Chairman, Korea-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group Mr. Kim Kisun, MP stated that this Festival will immensely contribute in strengthening the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and the Republic of Korea. He also mentioned that after watching Bangladeshi films last year, he found similarities between the two cultures and societies.
Following the speeches, the Festival then opened in a grand manner by cutting of ribbons where the President of Korean Culture Association (KCA) and Secretary General of Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) were also present on the stage along with the officers of the Embassy.
After the inauguration, the sensational Bangladeshi film Debi (The Goddess) was screened as the opening film followed by the acclaimed film ‘Akhi and Her Friends’ directed by Morshedul Islam. Two more acclaimed films ‘Sincerely Yours, Dhaka’ directed by eleven young directors and ‘Under Construction’ directed by Rubaiyat Hossain will also be screened during the remaining days of the Festival.
For making the Korean people more familiar with Bangladeshi products, some handicraft items were also displayed at the entrance of the theatre hall. For the better understanding of the Korean audience, Korean subtitles have been added with all the films with the assistance of the Korean Culture Association. Korean movie goers along with the expatriate Bangladesh community are anticipated to enjoy this festival.