December 23, 2024
Hill Film Festival returns to the enchanting hills of Rangamati, embracing the misty, foggy charm of winter. This festival showcases a diverse range of cinematic voices from across the globe, with a particular focus on Indigenous languages from Chittagong Hill Tracts and plainlands of Bangladesh. Since its inception in 2014, the festival has focused on Indigenous language films of Bangladesh. Held biennially, this year marks its 10th anniversary, solidifying its position as a unique platform for indigenous films while also welcoming works of all languages, forms, and genres from Bangladesh and beyond.
The 6th Hill Film Festival is scheduled to take place in Rangamati from December 26-28, 2024, followed by a Dhaka phase from January 2-4, 2025. Growing in scale and significance with each edition, the festival has become a vibrant celebration of diverse cinematic voices. While filmmaking in the Chittagong Hill Tracts began in the 1990s, the region still produces a limited number of films. With rare platforms for regular screenings, these films remain largely unfamiliar to both the local hill communities and mainstream audiences. The festival aims to bridge this gap by providing a stage for Indigenous films and introducing them to a broader audience. It also embraces films across various genres, formats, styles, languages, and experimental approaches, fostering inclusivity and innovation.
This year, the 6th edition received submissions from across the globe, with 60 films submitted from 14 countries, including Bangladesh, Iran, Turkey, Brazil, the United States, France, India, Taiwan, Finland, South Korea, Japan, South Africa, Vietnam, and Kyrgyzstan. A total of 37 films from 12 countries have been selected, spanning seven competitive categories: feature fiction, feature documentary, short fiction, short documentary, student, vlog, and experimental. These films represent 15 languages, offering a rich tapestry of stories and perspectives. The festival will also feature three curated sections titled “Indigenous Mirror,” “Whispers From The Next Door,” and “Hill Film Festival Retrospective,” along with special screenings and artist talks.
This year’s festival is driven by a dedicated team of passionate individuals committed to its success. Adit Dewan leads the initiative as the Festival Director, overseeing every aspect of the event. Fazle Hasan Shishir and Santua Tripura serve as Programmers, curating the festival’s diverse lineup. They are supported by Associate Programmers Parbon Mazhar and Sheram Chingkhei, along with Programming Assistants Ezazul Haque Fahim and Sraboni Rangsa, who ensure seamless planning. Paddmini Chakma and Snighdha Sultana expertly handle Publication and Documentation, while Abdul Ahad manages the creation of Audio-Visual Content. Bodrul Amin Piash and Sujalo Chakma lead Research efforts, adding depth and context to the festival. Finally, Sathirtha Dewan plays a pivotal role as the Festival Coordinator, bringing all elements together with precision and care.
To make the festival more inclusive, this year’s edition introduces interactive talk series with filmmakers, creating a platform for artists and audiences to exchange reflections on films, arts, and culture. These dialogues foster a deeper connection between creators and viewers.
The Hill Film Festival is not just an event for cinephiles; it is a celebration for anyone who cherishes storytelling. Whether you wish to explore new cultures, reconnect with your cultural roots and identity, or simply enjoy compelling narratives, this festival has something special for everyone. Join us in Rangamati and Dhaka for an unforgettable journey through films and stories. Let’s come together to celebrate cinema that inspires, unites, and reminds us of the richness of our shared world.
Contact Information
For Media Inquiries:
Sathirtha Dewan, Festival Coordinator
Contact: +880 1315-902230
Hill Film Festival
hffchtbd@gmail.com
https://hff-cht.com/
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