27th Rainbow international film festival Another Successful event.

London: A successful and memorable film festival recently came to an end. The curtain fell on the 27th Rainbow International Film Festival at BLOC, Queen Mary University of London, with a large audience in attendance. Rainbow Society provided London audiences with the opportunity to enjoy a diverse selection of acclaimed and aesthetically rich films from different countries.

The 27th Rainbow Film Festival was organised with the aim of promoting local culture on the international stage while embracing the positive elements of other cultures to enrich cultural exchange. Films reflecting the needs and realities of a multicultural society were showcased throughout the festival. Every screening received an enthusiastic response from audiences, while both the opening and closing day screenings were completely sold out.

On 23 May, the closing day of the Rainbow International Film Festival featured the Indian Bengali-language drama “Swarthopor” (Selfish), directed by Annapurna Basu. The film stars Koel Mallick, Kaushik Sen, and Ranjit Mallick in leading roles. The story revolves around realistic family conflicts and disputes over inheritance. At its core is the loving relationship between a brother and sister and their claim to ancestral property.

Rights versus Self-Respect: Saurav, the elder brother, decides to deprive his sister Aparna of her share of the family home without her consent. However, despite being married and living separately, Aparna refuses to give up her rightful inheritance. The film highlights how women are often marginalised in matters of property ownership and family decision-making, and how Aparna fights for her rights and self-respect.

The film “Griha Pravesh”, screened on 22 May, also received widespread praise from audiences. Directed by Indradeep Dasgupta, this emotional and psychological Bengali family drama is dedicated to the legendary filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh.

The story follows Titli (played by Subhashree Ganguly), whose husband Shaon moves abroad for work shortly after their marriage and then disappears without a trace. Abandoned by her husband, Titli continues to live with her in-laws and gradually becomes the caretaker of their large ancestral home. To overcome the loneliness and emptiness of the house, she begins renting out a room to a paying guest. A mysterious guest named Meghdut (played by Jeetu Kamal) moves in, and his arrival gradually awakens new emotions in Titli’s life. However, the film is not merely a love triangle; it is a profound exploration of waiting, self-discovery, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships.

On 18 May, the Bangladeshi film “Noya Manush” (New Human) was screened. The film tells the story of flood-affected and marginalised communities living on river islands (chars), portraying their joys, sorrows, and daily struggle against nature. Based on A. M. M. Hasanuzzaman’s story Bedonar Baluchar and adapted for the screen by Masum Reza, the film marks the directorial debut of Sohel Rana Boyati.

Due to river erosion and natural disasters, people are forced to move from one river island to another in search of shelter. The film focuses on the daily survival struggles of these disadvantaged communities. It beautifully portrays the crises, curiosity, and social changes that emerge whenever a newcomer arrives on the char. Despite their isolated lives, the story emphasises human relationships, social responsibility, and standing beside one another during times of hardship. The film stars Mousumi Hamid and Rawnak Hasan.

The Bangladeshi film “Ural” (Flight), directed by Jobaidur Rahman, was screened on 20 May. The film tells the story of a group of young people navigating love, intense relationships, honour killing, power struggles, and their relentless fight against injustice and impunity. Honour killing, committed in the name of protecting family reputation, serves as one of the film’s central themes. The narrative unfolds around a tragic murder and the harsh reality of a lack of justice.

The festival opened on 17 May at Genesis Cinema with the Bangladeshi thriller “Agantuk” (The Stranger). Written, scripted, dialogued, and directed by Suman Dhar, the film stars Puja Cherry and Shyamal Mawla in lead roles.

The story centres on a masked psychological serial killer who targets women named “Iti.” Puja Cherry plays a vibrant young journalist who begins a secret investigation into the killings. As she pursues the truth, she unknowingly finds herself trapped in the killer’s deadly web.

It is worth mentioning that the week-long Rainbow International Film Festival officially opened on Sunday, 17 May, at the historic Genesis Cinema in East London. More than 40 films from approximately ten countries were screened during this 27th edition of the festival. Participating countries included Bangladesh, India, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, the Philippines, Russia, China, Iran, Armenia, and Ukraine.

Six Bangladeshi films were screened: Agantuk, Noya Manush, Ural, Noya Note, The Story of a Rock (Bangla), and The University of Changkharpul (Bangla).

The Bengali films from India included: Joto Kando Kolkatay, Griha Pravesh, Swarthopor, Onko Ki Kothin, Raghu Dakat, and Bijoy Nogorir Heere.

Other international films included:

Iran: They Loved Me, Gageriev, He Does Not Sleep, Whisper My Name

Russia: The Mystery of Black Hand

China: The Shore of Life

South Korea: Drained by Dream

Kyrgyzstan: Zhara and Kurak

Tajikistan: Mohi Dar

Philippines: Republika ng Pipolipinas

A number of short films were also screened throughout the festival. All films were presented with English subtitles, allowing audiences to fully enjoy the diverse programme.

Festival Director Mr. Mostafa Kamal, the driving force behind Rainbow Society, expressed his delight at the overwhelming audience response once again this year. He voiced optimism that the 28th edition of the Rainbow Film Festival next year would be even more vibrant and successful.

He also thanked Satyabani Online Portal, other media outlets, and all those who supported the festival for their extensive coverage and assistance.

On the closing day, media personality Bulbul Hasan, Mr. Rupert Danroither of BLOC at Queen Mary University of London, and trainee director Samir Kamal shared their reflections on the festival and highlighted the encouraging feedback received from audiences after each screening throughout the week.

During the opening ceremony, tribute was paid to the late Ms. Joysree Kabir, a trustee of Rainbow Film Society. A one-minute silence was observed in her memory. Rabindranath Tagore’s song “Anandaloke” was performed collectively, with the audience joining in, creating an emotional and memorable atmosphere.

This successful event once again demonstrated that the Rainbow International Film Festival continues to play a significant role in London as an important platform for multicultural cinema, artistic expression, and community harmony.