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Federation of Film Societies of Bangladesh set to celebrate Golden Jubilee
The Federation of Film Societies of Bangladesh (FFSB), the joint platform of the country’s film societies, will complete its 50 years on October 24.
The organisation was founded on October 24, 1973, in Dhaka, to bring all the active film societies of the country under one umbrella.
Marking the anniversary, all previous and present members of the nation's cinema parliaments will gather to celebrate and exchange perspectives on Tuesday, October 24, at 5 pm at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's National Art Gallery auditorium, according to a press release.
All of the country's film parliamentarians will gather in this event which will be chaired by FFSB President architect Lailun Nahar Shemi, and will collectively make the event effective through a directional discussion on the contribution of film societies to the country's film culture and the future.
Throughout its 50-year journey, the organisation has been blessed with some of the best Bangladeshi filmmakers and cultural personalities as its President, including eminent film director Alamgir Kabir, National Professor Kabir Chowdhury, prominent filmmaker Badal Rahman, 'Ghuddi' - famed filmmaker Syed Salahuddin Zaki, renowned cultural personalities Mahbub Jamil and Syed Hasan Imam, and one of the Film Parliament's pioneers Muhammad Khosru, popular filmmakers Morshedul Islam and Manzare Hassin Murad.
Since its inception, the Federation of Film Societies of Bangladesh has been focused on developing the film sense of the film workers of Bangladesh and improving the film thinking, sense of life and public taste of the wider society. The film parliament of the country continues to lead the movement in establishing and spreading the concept of film education in the country, alongside developing the country’s film literature.
The Federation's activities resulted in the construction of the Bangladesh Film Archive and the Bangladesh Film and Television Institute, as well as the introduction of the National Film Awards and film grants in the country. Films are now taught at the university level in Bangladesh as a result of the film parliament movement's ongoing efforts, according to the organisation.
Meryl Streep, husband living separately for more than six years
Meryl Streep and her husband Don Gummer have been living separately for more than six years, reports CNN.
In a statement to People on Saturday, one of Streep’s representatives said, “Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than 6 years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart.”
Also read: 12 Most Awaited South Indian Movies Releasing in November 2023: A Sneak Peek
The three-time Oscar winner and Gummer, a sculptor, got married in 1978. Last month marked their 45th wedding anniversary.
Streep and Gummer were photographed at numerous events together over the years but largely kept their personal lives out of the press.
Also read: List of English Language Netflix Originals Coming in November 2023
In 2012, Streep paid tribute to Gummer in her best actress Oscar acceptance speech for her performance in “The Iron Lady”.
“First, I’m going to thank Don because when you thank your husband at the end of the speech, they play him out with the music, and I want him to know that everything I value most in our lives, you’ve given me,” Streep said at the time.
Also read: Aruna Biswas’s debut film 'Ashomvob' set to release this October
List of English Language Netflix Originals Coming in November 2023
Like every month, Netflix is gearing up to release several shows and movies in November. While overall, the platform welcomes content from several languages, English content has always dominated their list. This is particularly because of the sheer volume of content released by Netflix every month. With that said, here are 10 of the highly anticipated English language shows coming to Netflix in November 2023.
Top 10 Netflix English Original Shows Coming This November
All the Light We Cannot See
All the Light We Cannot See is a 2014 war novel written by Anthony Doerr. The book follows the life of two teenagers against the backdrop of the Second World War. One is a blind French girl and the other is a German boy forced to fight for the Nazi regime.
The novel has been developed as a limited drama series by Steven Knight for Netflix. The series is directed by Shawn Levy with Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie in lead roles. All the Light We Cannot See will be released on Netflix on November 2, 2023.
Read more: Aruna Biswas’s debut film 'Ashomvob' set to release this October
Sly
2023 has seen some amazing documentaries from Netflix. Keeping up with that trend, Netflix is here with Sylvester Stallone’s Sly. It’s a documentary covering the life of the acclaimed actor who has been entertaining action lovers for over 5 decades.
The documentary will follow the story of Stallone’s rise and how he built some of his most iconic characters including that of Rocky and Rambo. The retrospective documentary is directed by Thom Zimny with a special guest appearance from Quentin Tarantino. Sly is set to premiere on Netflix on November 3, 2023.
The Killer
Ever since the success of Mads Mikkelsen’s Polar released in 2019 on Netflix, neo-noir action thrillers have seen a rise in interest. Keeping up with the demand, Netflix is bringing The Killer directed by David Fincher with screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker.
Netflix didn’t give much away about the plot other than that it involves a failed assassination, an international manhunt, and revenge that insists on not being personal. David Fincher and Netflix last collaborated in Mindhunter which has been acclaimed by the viewers and critics alike.
Read more: Legal notice seeks ban on screening of 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation'
The Killer stars Michael Fassbender, Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell, and Tilda Swinton in lead roles. It is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on October 27 and Netflix release on November 10, 2023.
Stamped from the Beginning
The history of racism in America is deeply rooted and extremely troubling. Even if the practice of open racism has been subdued, discrimination still remains.
Ibram X. Kendi, Angela Davis, and Julian Joseph explore the complex development of racist ideas in this new documentary from Netflix. The show is written by Ibram X. Kendi and David Teague with direction from Roger Ross Williams. Stamped from the Beginning premiers on November 15.Best. Christmas. Ever!
November with its winter chills brings the anticipation of the holiday season. And no Christmas is complete without a dedicated Christmas movie. Every year, Netflix roles out their Christmas movies starting from early November and 2023 is also no different.
Read more: Omar Sani signs deal for new film ‘Dead Body’
Best. Christmas. Ever!
Follows the friendship of Jackie and Charlotte. Every year Jackie sends a newsletter during Christmas to Charlotte. As Charlotte shows up at Jackie’s door for this year’s Christmas, what will Jackie do to keep up her tradition?
The movie sees Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, and Jason Biggs in lead roles. It is scheduled to be released on November 16, 2023
Rezaul Hoque's solo exhibition ‘Living on the Edge’ begins
Artist Rezaul Hoque’s solo exhibition titled ‘Living on the Edge’ began at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital’s Dhanmondi on Friday.
Eminent human rights activist Sultana Kamal attended the event as the chief guest while renowned artists Mohammad Eunus and Biren Shome attended the event as special guests, said a press release.
Read: Info Minister says everyone should watch ‘Mujib: The making of a nation’
Rezaul Hoque’s art is an expression of human emotions and inequalities in everyday life, while dreaming of a beautiful future. His paintings at this exhibition are mainly about people and their life-struggle, exploitation, rights, inequality, hope and different deep-rooted perceptions of life.
Through his unique painting technique of painting paper by burning it through heat convection, his images come out in golden hues which also depicts the impression of being burnt by life’s struggles.
Around 40 artworks are on display, most of which are in the artist’s own innovative technique of painting based on application of heat convection to burn paper burn.
Paintings in other media will also be on display.
Read: Group exhibition of late great Kalidas and his brothers begins on artist's 4th death anniversary
Graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Rezaul Hoque, has created a unique technique of painting using heat convection, presented at this exhibition.
He has participated in various national and international solo and group art exhibitions, recent ones include: 2022 Collective Art Exhibition titled "Love in Multiple Forms" organized by the New York-based Agora Gallery.
The exhibition will be open to all till October 31, Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Group exhibition of late great Kalidas and his brothers begins on artist's 4th death anniversary
On the fourth death anniversary of the globally renowned painter and printmaker, the ‘Alluvial’ artist Kalidas Karmakar - an exclusive group art exhibition was inaugurated in the capital’s Safiuddin Shilpalay.
The exhibition showcases the artworks of Kalidas Karmakar who contributed to Bangladeshi art's development with his vibrant and captivating creations, alongside the artworks of his three brothers - Dilip K Karmakar, Proshanta Karmakar Buddha and Devdas Karmakar.
It began with Tagore songs by singer Shahidul Haque as a tribute to the revered artist, the exhibition was inaugurated on Wednesday with Rubana Haque, Vice Chancellor of the Asian University for Women, being the chief guest of the inauguration ceremony which was presided over by eminent thespian and cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar.
Read: Legal notice seeks ban on screening of 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation'
US Embassy in Bangladesh Public Affairs Counselor Stephen Ibelli and Kids Tutorial Principal Farzana Ahmed joined as the special guests at the inauguration ceremony, alongside the brothers of the ‘Alluvial’ artist, and his admirers from different walks of life.
“When I was coming to this event today, I was constantly remembering how wonderful of a person Kali da (Kalidas Karmakar) was. I am fortunate to have many of his paintings, and he was such a majestic artist throughout his entire life,” Rubana Haque said at the event.
“More than 50 of his exhibitions were held in 70 countries, and his artworks were universal because they spoke on behalf of our aching hearts,” she added. US Embassy in Bangladesh Public Affairs Counselor Stephen Ibelli also said that many of Kalidas Karmakar’s artworks have been exhibited in the United States.”
Read: Asiatic EXP joins hands with AB Kitchen to promote Ayub Bachchu’s songs
Kalidas Karmakar’s brother Proshanta Karmakar Buddha said, "Our elder brother, the artist Kalidas Karmakar, had wished to organize a joint painting exhibition with his three other brothers for a long time. Today, we all came together to fulfil his dream in his memory, marking his 4th anniversary."
A total of 63 paintings are being showcased in the exhibition. Among these, 22 paintings were made by artist Kalidas Karmakar, and the rest of the paintings are made by his three brothers - Dilip K Kumar, Proshanta Karmakar Buddha and Devdas Karmakar.
A maestro of printmaking especially viscosity printing, Kalidas Karmakar’s diverse artworks featuring metallic and other objects, handmade paper, and oil on canvas prints have been widely exhibited throughout South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the United States and many other places across the world.
His maiden solo art exhibition was held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on August 7, 1976.
Throughout his acclaimed career, he received multiple prestigious scholarships and fellowships including the Polish Government Scholarship in Graphic Art at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Art, Warsaw University; the French Government Superior Scholarship in Fine Arts for research in multicolour etching at Atelier-17, in Paris; Japan Foundation Fellowship on Japanese Woodblock Printing at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music; ICCR Special Scholarship for research in Contemporary Modern Sculpture, West Bengal Lalit Kala Academy Studio; and Asian Cultural Council New York, Fellowship with Artist Residency program in the US.
For his remarkable contribution to the Bangladeshi fine arts, Kalidas Karmakar was awarded the Shilpakala Padak in 2016 and the Ekushey Padak in 2018.
The exhibition will continue till October 22, open for visitors daily from 11 am to 8 pm.
Asiatic EXP joins hands with AB Kitchen to promote Ayub Bachchu’s songs
On the eve of the fifth death anniversary of Bangladesh’s iconic and one of the most beloved rockstars Ayub Bachchu, an exclusive initiative has been taken to preserve and promote the creations of the legendary music artiste, among the new generation of music lovers.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in this regard between AB Kitchen and Asiatic EXP on Tuesday.
As part of the partnership under the MoU, the songs of Ayub Bachchu will be recreated, new vocalists, guitarists, and drummers will be hunted, and concerts will be organised in memory of the late singer.
It will also cover fundraising for AB Kitchen and the setting up of a museum with guitars and other instruments used by the great musician.
From now on, permission needs to be taken from AB Kitchen and Asiatic 3sixty for releasing or using commercially any songs created by Ayub Bachchu and his band LRB.
The MoU was signed by AB Kitchen’s Chief Executive Director Ferdous Ayub Chandana and Group Managing Director of Asiatic 3sixty Iresh Zaker at the office of Asiatic EXP. Eminent cultural personality and Co-Chairperson of Asiatic 3sixty Sara Zaker was present at the signing ceremony.
“We have successfully come to a platform we dreamt of in five years after the death of Ayub Bachchu. We are greatly optimistic that his works will be recreated in a beautiful manner while carrying the legacy of Bachchu,” said Ferdous Ayub Chandana.
Iresh Zaker noted, “We will try to carry forward the legacy of the legendary musician so that the next generations get the taste of popular songs of Ayub Bachchu.”
Winners of 'Battle of the Bands' at Notre Dame College announced
The winners of the "Battle of the Bands" were announced at the 8th National Cultural Festival held at Notre Dame College in Dhaka.
Various competitions were the attractions of the festival organised by Notre Dame College Cultural Club.
Also read: Maiden book on Bangladeshi band music ‘Banglar Rock Metal’ launches on Friday UNB NEWS DHAKA
Among these, the band music competition "Battle of the Bands" took the spotlight.
The finale of the “Battle of the Bands” took place on Friday (October 14), the final day of the three-day festival.
Also read: The year in music: A melodious, rocking 2022
A total of 40 bands of school- and college-level students from all over the country participated in the competition.
After the preliminary selection, eight bands advanced to the final round. The "Battle of the Bands" was won by the band "Protocol". The second place went to "Adyantar" and the third place was won by "Nam Chhyara Band".
Also read: Two magical concerts enthrall band music lovers at ICCB
Popular musicians AK Rahul, Naveed Ehsan, and Sagar Ahmed Chowdhury were the judges in the final episode of “Battle of the Bands”.
The rest of the finalists in this battle of the bands under-18s were - Escape, Earblues, Rhythmless, Ancora, and Sound Pollution.
Omar Sani signs deal for new film ‘Dead Body’
Actor Omar Sani has recently signed a significant acting deal for the upcoming movie 'Dead Body' by Md Iqbal.
Md Iqbal, shedding light on Omar Sani's distinctive appearance in the film, said, “I always strive to inject something innovative into my movies. This time, it's definitely a feature that will captivate the audience's interest. Given Omar Sani's return to the silver screen after a considerable hiatus, I've meticulously planned to showcase him in a manner that will leave a lasting impression on the audience.”
Read: Seminar, film screening to commemorate late film personalities Syed Salahuddin Zaki and Mahbub Alam
“Sunny is not only a dear friend but also a cinematic icon to me. Hence, I wanted to present him in a way that would be a delightful surprise for his comeback,” he told UNB.
Apart from Omar Sani, the cast of 'Dead Body' includes other actors such as Shamal Mawla, Rashed Mamun Apu, and Mishti Jahan.
Read: 3rd Bangladesh Film Festival illuminates Colombo
The movie commenced its shooting schedule on October 10.
Abbasuddin Ahmed played an important role in popularising Bhawaiya songs: KM Khalid
Marking the occasion of the upcoming 122 birth anniversary of legendary Bhawaiya singer Abbasuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid on Sunday stated that Abbasuddin Ahmed and his family played a significant role in popularising Bhawaya songs, which is why the eminent singer is revered as the 'Bhawaiya Samrat' (Emperor of Bhawaiya songs).
He said that Abbasuddin Ahmed and his family members including his son Mustafa Zaman Abbasi, daughter Ferdausi Rahman and granddaughter Nashid Kamal played a leading role in spreading this folk genre throughout the country.
On Sunday, the State Minister spoke as the chief guest at the cultural program and certificate distribution ceremony among the students who completed various courses on music at the Abbasuddin Sangeet Academy.
Read: Play upholds two Rajasthani passions
The event was organized to mark the upcoming 122nd birth anniversary of the ‘Emperor of Bhawaiya’ and the 35th anniversary of Abbasuddin Sangeet Academy at Gulshan Ladies Club in the capital on Sunday afternoon.
To spread the majestic creations of Abbasuddin Ahmed among the new generation, special seminars and discussion events are organized every year marking the birth and death anniversaries of the Bhawaiya Emperor at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Bangladesh National Museum, the State Minister mentioned.
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“We have already declared Kurigram as 'Bhawaiya city' for the promotion and spread of Bhawaiaya songs. The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was inspired by the great singer Abbasuddin Ahmed, to join the language movement - which is mentioned in Bangabandhu's book, ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’,” Khalid said at the event.
He also stated that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will take necessary steps to provide annual grants to the 'Abbasuddin Sangeet Academy' established in the name of folk music pioneer Abbasuddin Ahmed, adding that the academy will be included in the list of institutions under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Chaired by Abbasuddin Ahmed’s only daughter and eminent singer Ferdausi Rahman, the event was joined by renowned singer-researcher-author-musicologist and Abbasuddin Ahmed’s youngest son Mustafa Zaman Abbasi and Abbasuddin Ahmed’s granddaughter, eminent vocalist, writer and professor of demography Dr Nashid Kamal as the special guests and the key speakers.
Play upholds two Rajasthani passions
The first show of the theatrical production ‘Kathputli —Dances and Puppets of Rajasthan’ was held on Friday at National Music and Dance Auditorium, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka.
The second show will be held at the same place Saturday at 6 pm. The event is jointly organised by Alliance Française de Dhaka and Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre.
Produced by Théâtre en Tête and directed by Zazie Hayoun, the performers at this production are Sikandar Khan, Ishwar Mathur, Sushila, Vijay Bhatt, and Puran Bhat.
Read: On big screen, moviegoers find new way to appreciate Bangabandhu in Shyam Benegal's biopic
'Kathputli, Dances and Puppets of Rajasthan' combines these two art forms: dance and puppetry. Through the performance, the dancer, at the front of the stage, is the link to the audience.
In the first part, the story takes place in a small village in the north of India, at daybreak; many scenes of daily life are presented through picturesque characters: the betel merchant, the barber, the shoemaker, the ironer, the water carrier and the lovers.
The second part is a change of scenery, which comes directly from the Kathputli tradition: it is set in the palace of the emperor Akbar, who also used puppets for his own pleasure.
All the maharajas are invited to a performance during which several attractions are offered: a snake charmer, dancers who perform an elaborate choreography, a magician who juggles with his head, an elephant tamer and many other distractions that will brighten up the party of the greatest monarch of India.
Read: Bongo BD to release South Indian comedy movie 'F2: Fun and Frustration' with Bengali version this week
This show is the result of a meeting between a French director and Indian artists. It is a simple yet sophisticated entertainment, where dances and puppets create a poetic and colourful universe, which will enchant young and old alike.
Liaquat Ali Lucky, director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bakhshi Mohd. Tayab, commercial manager, Qatar Airways Bangladesh, Pranay Kumar Verma, Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh and Marie MASDUPUY, France ambassador to Bangladesh, attended the event, sponsored by Qatar Airways, as the special guests on Friday.
Read more: First-ever Bangla-dubbed Thai movie ‘Bad Genius’ to be released on Bongo tomorrow