Clock-wise: Badal Rahman, Manzare Hasin Murad and A scene from “Emiler Goenda Bahini.”Filmmaker, teacher and film activist Manzare Hasin Murad has been selected as the acting president of the Federation of Film Societies of Bangladesh (FFSB). Noted filmmaker Badal Rahman was the president of FFSB. Rahman passed away last Friday. Murad has vowed to carry on the unfinished tasks left by Rahman.
Rahman, who directed the first Bangladeshi full-length feature film for children, "Emiler Goenda Bahini," took over the post in last October and was elected for two years. Murad will now hold the post for the remaining time. "My first priority would be to finish Badal bhai's unfinished jobs, which is to turn FFSB into a more effective organisation," said Murad.
Murad informed that during his short tenure as the president, Rahman initiated a number of projects, including sending a proposal to the Government for a National Film Policy. Murad will emphasise on this issue. Rahman was also working on retract of the present Film Society Regulation Act, which he thought goes against film society activities.
"Including these remaining tasks, I will work for a National Film Institute and a better positive role from the state-run cultural bodies such as Shilpakala Academy and National Film Archive," said Murad.
Rahman was actively involved with the Dhaka International Film Festival, where he represented our country's film movement from a positive aspect, said Murad.
"Badal bhai was involved with different projects, which he thought, would help encourage interest in quality cinema in the country. He wrote books on films that students could find beneficial," said Murad.
Murad finds Rahman as an "innovator," considering his filmmaking attitude. He said, "Many know 'Emiler Goenda Bahini' as the first film made in Bangladesh for children. But what many don't know is that through the film he started a modern film language that is unique. His later works convey that style."
