After nearly four years of continuous planning, discussions, and preparation, Cox’s Bazar Film Society has officially begun its journey, aiming to develop local film production and revive cinema culture in the coastal district.
Having worked since 2022 with the vision of building a filmmaking environment and placing Cox’s Bazar on the cinematic map, the organization is now moving forward with a structured action plan.
The society’s production house has already produced several contents and an experimental short film using local equipment and resources. Through these initiatives, it has assessed logistical challenges, production support requirements and local potential for continuous shooting in Cox’s Bazar.
One of the key challenges identified was the absence of a trained local shooting crew. To address these issues, the organisation plans to launch a series of workshops soon on different aspects of filmmaking in the district.
With no functional cinema hall in Cox’s Bazar for nearly two decades, the culture of film viewing has gradually faded among local audiences. To address this gap, the society is also planning to introduce a dedicated space for regular film screenings in the near future.
General secretary of Cox’s Bazar Film Society Yasir Arafat said the initiative goes beyond film exhibition.
“We do not just want to show films; we want to build a complete cinematic ecosystem from Cox’s Bazar,” he said.
He added that the society aims to provide a strong platform for local creative individuals through research, publications, workshops and regular film productions, enabling collaborative growth within the sector.
The organisation also plans to publish research on challenges and opportunities in the local film industry, create new funding avenues, and represent Cox’s Bazar internationally through cinema.
The Cox’s Bazar Film Society has sought cooperation from filmmakers, students, creative professionals and the media community.
Executive Committee
President: Rahman Mufiz
Vice-President: Rajibul Hossain
Vice-President (Research): Nasif Faruk Amin
General Secretary: Yasir Arafat
Joint General Secretary: Jahin Faruk Amin
Treasurer: Enamul Huda
Organising Secretary: Ahmad Ibn Arif
Branding & Communication: Rafayet Nawaz
Office Secretary: Farhad Zaman Jony
Press & Publication: Adipto Hasin Rahman Sourav
Members:
Pankaj Choudhury Rony, Bhagaban Rudra, Jewel Deb, Ahmed Abir Sultan Jasib, Ahmed Rezaul Mostafa, Rifat Mallik, Chowdhury Rafsan Islam, Shahnewaz Opu, Khaled Mahmud Nishan, Hillol De, Joya Barua, Ahmed Zaman Imran, Arton Barua, Anindya Pal Jit, and Abdu Rashid Manik.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
