Festival

The El Scorcho Film Festival

Shoumik Hassin

“You know what your problem is, it's that you haven't seen enough movies - all of life's riddles are answered in the movies.” Steve Martin, Grand Canyon

There is something special about movies. Sometimes it is the stories or the ideas that make a movie special. Sometimes it is an image or a simple dialogue; and sometimes it is just the emotion.

After a hectic day at university or work, it is always refreshing to watch a movie while spending some time alone. But there's also something special about watching movies in the theatre. Maybe it's the pictures, splashed across the screen, larger than life; or the audience- friends, significant others and strangers. When the lights dim, a buzz of excitement hits you. While most are aware of the movie they are watching, there might be a few thinking quietly, “I have no idea what I'm in for, but I'm ready for it.”

It is these emotions and many others that we want to capture at the El Scorcho Film Festival. El Scorcho began with a simple idea: a group of students who are movie enthusiasts will show some of their favourite movies at a theatre. With the aim of engaging the audience and inspiring them to explore beyond the popular stacks at the DVD stores, a few of us students got together and decided to show some movies from blockbusters of yesteryears to art house classics.

The El Scorcho Film Festival will be held at the Dhaka Art Center Auditorium in Dhanmondi, from August 18-20. Two movies will be shown each day. So students who want to relieve the stress after a hectic day of classes or just need a reason to hang out with friends,can drop by and watch any of the movies:

A “single movie” pass costs Taka 10, while a “one day” pass (for both movies on a day) costs Taka 15 and a “festival” pass (for all six movies) costs Taka 30. Tickets will be available at the venue during the festival. For the movie fanatics, this is an opportunity that should not be missed, without really having to empty their pockets to watch these classics!

(The writer is a member of the El Scorcho Film Festival organising committee.)