Russian and Bangladeshi filmmakers showcased six short films at a Dhaka event organised by DIMFF with support from the Russian House.
DHAKA, October 16, 2026 — Russian and Bangladeshi short films took centre stage at a cultural exchange programme in Dhaka, highlighting the role of cinema in strengthening people-to-people ties and promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.
The Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival (DIMFF), with support from the Russian House in Dhaka, organised a special screening titled “Russia–Bangladesh: Two Nations, One Screen” in Dhanmondi on October 15.
The event brought together students, filmmakers, academics and invited guests to explore the cultural perspectives and storytelling traditions of Russia and Bangladesh through cinema.
Six short films, including three Russian and three Bangladeshi productions, were screened at the programme, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the artistic expressions and diverse narratives of filmmakers from the two countries.
The Russian films were The Shell, directed by Oleg Kondratiev; Raspberry, directed by Mariya Sergeevna Klenovskaya; and One Minute, directed by Ilnur Mukhambetaliev.
The Bangladeshi selections were Sound of Silence, directed by Shoumik Bakshi Dipto; Goodbye, directed by Jannatul Ferdos Akhi; and Hurumturum, directed by Sohan Sheikh.
Alexandra A. Khlevnoy, director of the Russian House in Dhaka, highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation between Russia and Bangladesh during the opening session.
She encouraged young people to nurture their creativity, explore new ideas and continue learning through cultural and artistic engagement.
Professor Dr Sumon Rahman, dean of the School of Social Sciences and head of the Department of Media Studies and Journalism at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), welcomed the participants.
He emphasised the role of cinema in connecting people, sharing perspectives and deepening mutual understanding across cultures.
Mir Wadud Islam, an instructor at DIMFF, discussed the significance of the screening and the role of filmmaking in storytelling.
The programme concluded with remarks by Sohan Sheikh, festival director of DIMFF, followed by a vote of thanks from Syeda Sadia Mehjabin, adviser to DIMFF 2027.
The screening provided a shared platform for Russian and Bangladeshi creative voices, demonstrating how films can communicate human emotions, cultural experiences and perspectives across national boundaries.
The initiative also highlighted the potential of cultural programmes to bring younger generations into closer contact with different artistic traditions.
By showcasing short films from both countries, DIMFF and the Russian House sought to encourage creative exchange and strengthen cultural connections between Bangladesh and Russia.
The event underscored the importance of cinema not only as an art form but also as a means of fostering dialogue, building mutual understanding and expanding people-to-people engagement between the two nations.
