Dr. Imran Firdaus, Assistant Professor in the Department of Media and Communication at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), has been appointed to the Bangladesh National Film Grant Subcommittee. The announcement was made through a circular from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on October 7.

The 7-member subcommittee will support the 10-member National Film Grant Committee in overseeing government-funded film projects for the fiscal year 2024-25. The subcommittee’s duties include assessing the quality of incomplete films from prior grants and ongoing projects by reviewing rush prints, as well as recommending the release of the second installment of funds.

Additionally, the subcommittee provides overall assistance to the National Film Grant Committee and will make decisions based on any updated policies, with its mandate remaining effective until a new committee is established.

The subcommittee is headed by the Additional Secretary (Films) from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, while its member secretary is the Deputy Secretary (Films-2) of the ministry.

Alongside Dr. Firdaus, the other expert members of the subcommittee are Reffat Ferdous, Assistant Professor, Department of Television, Film and Photography, University of Dhaka; Md. Abid Mallick, director and producer; and Mehedi Hasan, filmmaker.

Upon his appointment, Dr. Firdaus shared his enthusiasm, stating, “It is an honor to contribute to the development of Bangladesh’s film production practices. Historically, the grant committee has yet to fully embrace cultural diversity alongside emerging talent. Besides, to align with the global film business culture, it is the call of time to redefine the local film business as a creative industry. I look forward to helping broaden that vision and supporting filmmakers who reflect the richness of our society. Together, we aim to promote excellence in filmmaking and enhance the cultural fabric of local screen culture.”

Dr. Firdaus holds a PhD from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where his dissertation explored The Cinema of Gaspar Noé: A Poetics of Transgression. He also earned a Master’s degree in Media Arts and Production from UTS, where he completed the capstone film I Come and Stand at Every Door (2018).

BDST: 1618 HRS, OCT 17, 2024
MSK