A weeklong film festival and honor ceremony titled ‘Hridaye Dhaka-416’ will begin in Dhaka on August 22, aiming to showcase the capital’s history, heritage and cultural diversity to the younger generation while celebrating its rich past.

The event is being organized by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). A press conference was held at Madhumita Hall in Motijheel on Wednesday (August 19) to announce the details of the festival.

DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam chaired the press conference. Details were shared on preserving the city’s history and heritage, portraying Dhaka’s cultural identity through cinema and engaging the younger generation with the city’s cultural heritage.

A subcommittee formed under the direction of the DSCC administrator has selected 13 significant and historically important Bangladeshi films, from the early days of Dhakai cinema, for screening throughout the week.

In addition, 58 veteran and emerging artists and professionals—including actors, directors, writers, musicians, lyricists and cinematographers—will be honored for their outstanding contributions to the film industry.

The festival will officially open at 4pm on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Madhumita Cinema Hall. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, MP, will attend the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, MP, and Dhaka-7 constituency lawmaker Hamidur Rahman will attend as special guests. DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam will preside over the ceremony.

Film Festival Schedule
August 22, 6pm: Mukh O Mukhosh, directed by Abdul Jabbar Khan.
August 23, 3pm: Nawab Sirajuddaula, directed by Khan Ataur Rahman; 6pm: 13 No. Feku Ostagar Lane, directed by Bashir Hossain.
August 24, 3pm: Jibon Theke Neya, directed by Zahir Raihan; 6pm: Nantu Ghatak, directed by Gazi Mazharul Anwar.
August 25, 3pm: Ashikkhito, directed by Azizur Rahman; 6pm: Rangbaaz, directed by Zahirul Haque.
August 26, 3pm: Sabuj Sathi, directed by Subhash Dutta; 6pm: Nacher Putul, directed by Ashok Ghosh.
August 27, 3pm: Durdesh, directed by Ehtesham; 6pm: Dahan, directed by Sheikh Niamat Ali.
August 28, 3pm: Dost Dushman, directed by Dewan Nazrul; 6pm: Bodhu Biday, directed by Kazi Zahir.

The festival’s film screenings will conclude on August 28 with the screening of Bodhu Biday.

Under the slogan ‘In Celebration, in Pride, in Responsibility’, the DSCC has also undertaken a range of civic initiatives to mark the anniversary of ‘Hridaye Dhaka-416’. These include a cycle rally, marathon, tree fair, stage plays, swimming competitions, boat races and city-cleaning campaigns.

Renowned actress Dilara Zaman, Bangladesh Film Artists Association President Chowdhury Mazhar Ali (Shiba Shanu), Madhumita Cinema Hall Manager Iftekhar Uddin Naushad and senior DSCC officials attended the press conference.

The DSCC sought the media’s full and positive cooperation to make the initiative successful and contribute to building a more open, modern and culture-friendly Dhaka.