The Hill Film Festival (Bengali: পার্বত্য চলচ্চিত্র উৎসব) is an annual cultural event held in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region of Bangladesh, celebrating the art of cinema and promoting cultural exchange. Founded with the aim of showcasing regional and international films, the festival serves as a platform for filmmakers, artists, and enthusiasts to converge and explore cinematic expressions.[2][3][4]
 The common Banner of HFF in seven different languages. | |
| Location | Rangamati, Chittagong Hill Tracts and Dhaka Bangladesh[1] |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founded by | Jum Film Forum |
| Awards |
|
| Language | International |
| Website | Official website |
History
editThe Hill Film Festival was inaugurated to highlight the unique cultural identity and cinematic narratives of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It was first organized in 2014, drawing participants and audiences from across Bangladesh and beyond.[5][6]
Events and Activities
editEach edition of the festival features a curated selection of films that reflect the cultural, social, and environmental themes relevant to the region. In addition to film screenings, the festival includes panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration among filmmakers and industry professionals.[7]
Awards & Prizes[8]
- Best Short Fiction
- Best Feature Fiction
- Best Short Documentary
- Best Feature Documentary
- Best Mid-Length ( Documentary & Fiction)
- Best Experimental (Any Length)
- Best Student Film (Any length)
- Honorable Mention
Hill Film Festival School Of Film And Visual Arts
editThe HFF School of Film and Visual Arts, an initiative originating from the Hill Film Festival, aims to educate young indigenous art practitioners in Bangladesh in various artistic mediums. It focuses on skill development, collaboration, and networking opportunities within the local and global artistic communities. While emphasizing indigenous practitioners, the school also encourages participation from individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Programs are conducted in Dhaka and Rangamati.[9][10]
Organizers and Partnerships
editThe festival is organized by Jum Film Forum, in collaboration with local cultural organizations and international partners such as Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, Drik Trust, Goopy Bagha Productions Limited, Supporting People and Rebuilding Communities (SPaRC), and Hill Resource Centre. A Dhaka version of the festival takes place in Dhaka. The Dhaka Edition of the Hill Film Festival was jointly organized by Jum Film Forum, Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, and Drik Trust.[11][12]
Organizing Body[13]
- Adit Dewan, Festival Director
- Fazle Hasan Shishir, Festival Programmer
- Santua Tripura, Festival Programmer
Impact and Recognition
editThe Hill Film Festival has garnered attention for its contribution to the cultural landscape of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and its role in promoting regional cinema. It has received support from cultural institutions and government bodies, underscoring its importance in the cultural calendar of Bangladesh.[14]
References
edit- ^ "5th Hill Film Fest begins in Rangamati". businesspostbd.com. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ 5th Hill Film Festival held (TBS News)
- ^ "HillFilmFestival". Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Hill Film Festival calls for submissions". Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ 5th Hill Film Festival held (TBS News)
- ^ Sun, Daily (November 2021). "5th Hill Film Fest concludes". daily-sun. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Call for submission: 5th Hill Film Festival". The Business Standard. 19 July 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Awards, HFF". Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "HFF SCHOOL – Hill Film Festival". Hill Film Festival. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ Star, Daily. "5th Hill Film Festival kicks off tomorrow". Daily Star. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "5th Hill Film Festival kicks off tomorrow". The Daily Star. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Dhaka Edition – Hill Film Festival". Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Team Announced for the 6th Hill Film Festival – Hill Film Festival". Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ "5th Hill Film Festival". @GI_weltweit. Retrieved 22 October 2024.