Dhaka University Honours Nineteen Students for Cinematic Excellence

In a vibrant celebration of creativity and technical prowess, the Department of Television, Film and Photography (TFP) at the University of Dhaka has conferred the “2nd TFP Creative Excellence Awards 2025” upon nineteen exceptional students. The ceremony, held on Tuesday afternoon, was the focal point of the department’s 14th anniversary celebrations, shining a spotlight on the next generation of Bangladeshi filmmakers and journalists.

A Rigorous Selection Process

The competition drew an impressive 129 submissions, ranging from evocative short films to incisive news reports. To ensure the highest standards of merit, the university assembled a prestigious jury board comprising the nation’s leading directors, producers, cinematographers, film critics, and veteran journalists.

From the initial pool of entries, the panel shortlisted 41 works across 19 distinct categories. Following a day-long screening at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, where 26 selected films were showcased to an audience of peers and academics, the final nineteen winners were announced.

Bridging Academia and Industry

The event was graced by Professor Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) of Dhaka University, who served as the chief guest. During his address, Professor Ahmed lauded the department’s trajectory over the past fourteen years, noting its pivotal role in bridging the gap between theoretical study and the professional media industry.

“The TFP department has demonstrated remarkable success in fostering a connection between academia and the industrial landscape,” Professor Ahmed remarked. “I am confident that this tradition of creative excellence will continue to flourish in the years to come.”

Vision for a Global Creative Hub

In his presidential address, the Chairman of the TFP Department, Sayid Shahzada Al Karim, emphasised that the primary goal of the awards is to bolster students’ “creative self-confidence.” He asserted that with adequate funding and institutional support, the department possesses the potential to transform Dhaka University into a world-class centre for creative arts, competing on a global stage.

Award Statistics at a Glance

The ceremony concluded with a pledge from the university administration to provide comprehensive support for the department’s future educational and creative ventures. For the nineteen winners, these accolades represent not just a personal achievement, but a significant milestone in the evolution of Bangladeshi visual storytelling.