Closing ceremony of int’l mobile film festival held in Dhaka

The closing ceremony of the 11th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival (DIMFF) 2025 was held at Star Cineplex, Shimanto Shambhar, on February 23.

This year, the festival received an impressive 117 film submissions from 28 countries, out of which 27 films were officially selected. Four films, one from each category, were awarded as winners, according to a press release.

The ceremony commenced in the evening with an opening speech by Prof. Sumon Rahman. Following that, the Chief Guest, Gias Uddin Selim, presented awards to the Jury Members, UNHCR Representatives, and the Festival Director of DIMFF'25, Hossain Haque. Additionally, Tasnuva Ahmed Tina, CEO of Deepto TV, extended her best wishes through a video message.

After the award presentation, 13 selected films from this year's lineup were screened, which captivated the audience. After the screening of the closing ceremony , Taneam Rahman Angshu, one of the jury members, shared his thoughts on the films he evaluated. I was mesmerized to enjoy such good films made only using mobile phones without any proper lighting and enormous technical support. He saw only one selected Bangladeshi film screened on the closing day. He wishes he would see more Bangladeshi films next year.

Chief Guest Gias Uddin Selim then delivered his remarks on the festival and the significance of mobile filmmaking. He said it is a great experience to be a part of this festival. DIMFF is doing really well it’s been 11 years now the festival already became well known. He wishes DIMFF will be more popular worldwide.

The representative of UNHCR, Juliette Murekeyisoni shared her experience about DIMFF. She said the workshop was organized by DIMFF and UNHCR was truly amazing. The Participants were so engaging. The DIMFF closing event felt like a Hollywood event to her.

As the highlight of the evening, the winners of DIMFF 2025 were announced. In the Open Door Category, Message by Saeed Moltaji from Iran was declared the winner, while in the Vertical Film Category, Limbus by M.C. Jonet from the United States took the top spot. The Short Film Category award went to Wandering Minds & Lost Lessons by Abeer Bhaskar from the United States, and in the One Minute Film Category, WAY OUT by Khoirom Anik from Bangladesh was recognized as the best film. The special category form UHHCR mobile filmmaking workshop’s winner film is The Stateless.

To conclude the event, Sayeda Sadia Mehjabin, Advisor of DIMFF, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, guests, and supporters who made the festival a success.