Three films by emerging Bangladeshi filmmaker Maruf Sharker Munna, a student of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), have been selected for the ICJ International Culture Journal Film Award 2026.

The selected films are “Between Two Worlds”, “Fragments of Her” and “Ashes of Humanity”.

The selection marks a recognition for the young filmmaker and Bangladesh’s independent film community.

The International Culture Journal is an international cultural and film platform that curates and showcases selected films through global screening programmes, educational outreach initiatives and cultural events in different countries.

According to the official selection announcement, the films were chosen from more than 2,500 submissions from filmmakers worldwide.

As part of the official ICJ programme, the selected films were screened on 14 May during the opening programme of the festival.

They have also been scheduled for a special red-carpet screening on 12 September at Uzhhorod Castle in Ukraine, a historic landmark in western Ukraine known for hosting cultural and international events.

Beyond the festival circuit, the films have been included in ICJ’s educational outreach initiative, “Cinema in Schools”.

Under the initiative, the films will be screened in 100 schools across Ukraine, including institutions in conflict-affected and frontline-adjacent communities.

One confirmed screening has already taken place at a relocated educational institution originally from Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, which is now operating from a safer location due to the ongoing regional conflict.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Max Sir International Film Festival, with the aim of using cinema as a medium for education, cultural exchange and emotional support for students in vulnerable communities.

An official selection certificate has also been issued by ICJ in recognition of the achievement.

Maruf Sharker Munna has previously earned recognition at several international film festivals for his creative works.

His earlier film “Homework” received official selections at the Egyptian American Film Festival and the ZUMA International Film Festival, while also earning a nomination at the Northwest International Film Festival.

His film “Between Two Worlds” was previously selected for the Veterans Media Showcase in the United States, where it received an Honourable Mention award.

The latest recognition highlights the growing international presence of young Bangladeshi filmmakers and the creative potential emerging from university-level student communities in Bangladesh.