# Hill Film Festival

The Hill Film Festival (Bengali: পার্বত্য চলচ্চিত্র উৎসব) is an annual cultural event held in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region of Bangladesh, celebrating the art of cinema and promoting cultural exchange. Founded with the aim of showcasing regional and international films, the festival serves as a platform for filmmakers, artists, and enthusiasts to converge and explore cinematic expressions.

## History

The Hill Film Festival was inaugurated to highlight the unique cultural identity and cinematic narratives of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It was first organized in 2014, drawing participants and audiences from across Bangladesh and beyond.

## Events and activities

Each edition of the festival features a curated selection of films that reflect the cultural, social, and environmental themes relevant to the region. In addition to film screenings, the festival includes panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration among filmmakers and industry professionals.
Awards & Prizes
* Best Short Fiction
* Best Feature Fiction
* Best Short Documentary
* Best Feature Documentary
* Best Mid-Length (Documentary & Fiction)
* Best Experimental (Any Length)
* Best Student Film (Any length)
* Honorable Mention

### Hill Film Festival School of Film and Visual Arts

The HFF School of Film and Visual Arts, an initiative originating from the Hill Film Festival, aims to educate young indigenous art practitioners in Bangladesh in various artistic mediums. It focuses on skill development, collaboration, and networking opportunities within the local and global artistic communities. While emphasizing indigenous practitioners, the school also encourages participation from individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Programs are conducted in Dhaka and Rangamati.

#### Masterclass and workshops

The Hill Film Festival (HFF) regularly hosts workshops and masterclasses through its HFF School of Film and Visual Arts. These events aim to inspire emerging filmmakers and include topics such as documentary filmmaking, cinematography, and film direction, featuring experts like Humaira Bilkis, Barkat Hossain Polash, Aung Rakhine and Sukorno Shahed Dhiman. Additionally, the Praxis Public Talk Series delves into contemporary film and art issues.

## Organizers and partnerships

The festival is organized by Jum Film Forum, in collaboration with local cultural organizations and international partners such as Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, Drik Trust, Goopy Bagha Productions Limited, Supporting People and Rebuilding Communities (SPaRC), and Hill Resource Centre. A Dhaka version of the festival takes place in Dhaka. The Dhaka Edition of the Hill Film Festival was jointly organized by Jum Film Forum, Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, and Drik Trust.
Organizing Body
* Adit Dewan, Festival Director
* Fazle Hasan Shishir, Festival Programmer
* Santua Tripura, Festival Programmer

## Impact and recognition

The Hill Film Festival has garnered attention for its contribution to the cultural landscape of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and its role in promoting regional cinema. It has received support from cultural institutions and government bodies, underscoring its importance in the cultural calendar of Bangladesh.