‘Balur Nagarite’ Earns Spot at Renowned Czech Film Festival

The debut feature film Balur Nagarite (Sand City) by Bangladeshi filmmaker Mahde Hasan has been officially selected for the esteemed Proxima Competition at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic. This selection marks a significant milestone for Bangladeshi cinema on the international stage.

To celebrate this achievement, actor Mostafa Monwar and sound designer Aranyak Prithivi, both involved in the film, were felicitated yesterday by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki warmly welcomed them and presented them with floral tributes, recognising their contribution to a project that is drawing global attention.

Describing the film’s selection as "a proud moment for our young filmmaker," the ministry announced its commitment to financially support the air travel of a film delegate to attend the festival. Adviser Farooki reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to promoting Bangladeshi talents across various creative disciplines — including cinema, music, theatre, photography, and architecture — particularly when they receive international accolades.

In advance of its world premiere, the film has already drawn international industry interest, with Bangkok-based sales agency Diversion acquiring the global distribution rights for all territories except Bangladesh and Switzerland. Balur Nagarite is produced by Rubaiyat Hossain and Aadnan Ahmed under the Khona Talkies banner, with backing from Cinema Cocoon.

This move echoes the ministry’s earlier support for Adnan Al Rajeev, director of the film Ali, who received government assistance for travel to Paris after his film was selected for the Cannes Film Festival — underscoring an emerging pattern of state recognition for Bangladeshi filmmakers breaking into global platforms.