By MWB Desk
The 12th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival 2026 (DIMFF 2026) officially commenced on January 31, 2026, with its Opening Ceremony held at the ULAB Permanent Campus in Dhaka, Bangladesh. DIMFF is an outreach initiative of the Department of Media Studies and Journalism at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), aimed at promoting mobile filmmaking and innovative cinematic storytelling.
The festival is powered by Star Cineplex and presented by Infinix Mobile Bangladesh, reaffirming its commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers and advancing mobile cinema as a global creative medium.
The opening day featured two film screening sessions, showcasing 15 selected films from a total of 25 officially selected entries. DIMFF 2026 received 131 film submissions from 24 countries, reflecting the festival’s growing international presence and the diversity of mobile cinema worldwide.
The opening ceremony began with a welcome address by Professor Dr. Din M. Sumon Rahman, Head of the Department of Media Studies and Journalism at ULAB and Chief Advisor of DIMFF. In his speech, he highlighted the evolving role of mobile filmmaking and emphasized the importance of providing a global platform for emerging filmmakers.
A video message from Honourable Jury Member Leon Desclozeaux was presented during the ceremony. He expressed his appreciation for the organizers, praised the quality of the selected films, and conveyed his best wishes for the continued success of the festival.
The ceremony was further honored by a keynote address from the Chief Guest, Mr. Tanim Noor, renowned filmmaker, writer, and producer. Widely acclaimed for films and series such as Utshob, Television, Kaiser, and Live from Dhaka, Mr. Noor spoke about storytelling, creative integrity, and the power of cinema to provoke thought and dialogue. A token of appreciation was presented to him by Advisor Syeda Sadia Mehjabin.
Film Screening Session 1 featured a curated selection of four mobile films, and the session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Pantha Rahman, Co-Advisor of DIMFF.
DIMFF 2026 also hosted a panel discussion titled “Film Distribution in Bangladesh”, focusing on industry challenges, evolving platforms, and future opportunities. The panel featured Raka Nowshin Nawar (Independent Filmmaker), Dr. Mohammad Shazzad Hossain (Academic), Md. Shahadat Hossain Himel (Marketing and Sales, Star Cineplex), and Md. Ali Haider (Head of Content, Bongo). The discussion was moderated by Ramjan Ali Emon.
The evening segment began with a welcome address by Syeda Sadia Mehjabin, Advisor of DIMFF 2026, followed by a video presentation in which Festival Director Zahra Nusrat shared the journey of DIMFF 2026.
After the screening of an additional 11 films, the opening day concluded with an address by the Chief Guest, Mr. Tariq Anam Khan, eminent actor, writer, and filmmaker. Reflecting on his early days in theatre, he remarked that cinema has never been confined to specific devices, an idea that aligns closely with the philosophy of DIMFF. He also noted that short films are similar to poetry in their ability to convey profound meaning within a limited duration. A crest was presented to him by Syeda Sadia Mehjabin in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema.
The day formally concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Wadud Islam, Instructor of DIMFF.
DIMFF 2026 is powered by Star Cineplex and presented by Infinix. The Business Standard and The Daily Samakal serve as Print and Online Media Partners, while Dhaka Post and Ittefaq are Online Media Partners. TBS Graduate is the Youth Engagement Partner, Channel i serves as the Broadcast Partner, The Castor is the Digital Media Partner, and Rang Berang is the Magazine Partner. Electronic Media Partners include Bangla Vision, Dhaka Journal, and Masranga, with ULAB TV serving as the Campus TV Partner. Tickmark is the Event Partner, and Lumiere Moments and Bevore Production are the Documentation Partners.
The Closing Ceremony of DIMFF 2026 will be held at Star Cineplex, Shimanto Shombhar, Dhanmondi, at 6:00 PM. Festival Day 2 tickets are available at: https://bit.ly/dimff26day2
For further updates, visit the official DIMFF Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/DIMFF.ULAB
All information & images in this article have been provided by the relevant authority.
