The 13th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival (DIMFF) opened at the ULAB permanent campus on 18 June.

The opening ceremony began with a welcome note by Prof Sumon Rahman, Head of Department, MSJ, followed by an address by Professor Shamsad Mortuza, Vice Chancellor of ULAB.

“DIMFF first started as a small project, but it has now become an international event. Its primary goal was to show that you don’t need a massive production budget to make a film — all you need is a simple mobile phone,” Professor Shamsad Mortuza said.

The opening session also featured a “Vision & Journey” segment and a cultural performance.

As part of the programme, the Dhaka Film Project Market was hosted by Sohan Sheikh, Festival Director of DIMFF 2027, who also unveiled the DIMFF 2027 executive body.

The executive body includes Sohan Sheikh, Festival Director; Nur Shahad Seabon, HR and Accounts; Israt Jahan Labonno, Festival Coordinator; Shahariar Sifat, PR and Media Manager; Nahadi Zaman, Social Affairs Manager; Farhan Hossian Behvor, Content Manager; and Shanto Roy Orko, Production Manager.

A festival promo screening and winning films showcase were also held before the next session.

After the break, a producer discussion titled “Beyond the Box Office” was held, bringing together filmmakers and producers who discussed their recent projects and shared behind-the-scenes experiences.

The speakers included Md Shanjid, Co-Producer of Malik; Masud Hasan Ujjal, Director and Producer of Bonolota Sen; Rhizuti Ahmed Sharna, Associate Producer of Rockstar and producer representing Pinwheel Films; Shimul Chandra Biswas, Producer of Roid; Monirul Haque Akash, Director, Writer and Producer of The University of Chankharpul; and Md Hafizuddin Munna, Executive Producer and Distributor of The University of Chankharpul.

The session was moderated by Mir Wadud Islam, Instructor of DIMFF 2027.

Speaking during the session, the producer of Roid said, “A movie with a massive budget is still not a true movie if it lacks the soul of the director. You have to accept that some movies will be successes, while others will flop.”

The producer of Malik said, “Whether someone is a very famous actor or a debut actor, it doesn’t matter to me. Whoever can deliver the story through their acting is the real star to me.”

The discussion was followed by a Cine’Ta Talk featuring actress Nazifa Tushi in conversation with Rubaiya Anhar Oishe, where Tushi shared her experience in the film industry.

“In twenty years, I want to tell myself, ‘Tushi, don’t feel insecure about ageing and grey hair.’ I want to fall in love with that version of me, too,” she said.

The ceremony was hosted by Syeda Sadia Mehjabin, Advisor of DIMFF.

“Everyone fears taking risks, but if you don’t, you can’t achieve anything. If any problem arises, I am here. We own DIMFF,” she said.

The festival concluded with a vote of thanks by Andalib Rubayat, Senior Lecturer.

After the closing remarks, guests, faculty members and DIMFF volunteers joined an official photo session.

The event ended with another cultural showcase.