US embassy hosts virtual classes for Bangladeshi filmmakers

US Embassy in Dhaka virtually hosted five US Arts Envoys from the US entertainment industry to engage 12 promising Bangladeshi filmmakers to explore independent film development strategies and best practices and the challenges facing filmmakers in the country.

The Global Media Makers (GMM) program, overseen by non-profit organization Film Independent, organized the master class from May 11 and will continue till Tuesday, reads a press release of US embassy on Monday.

In the virtual master class, 12 Bangladeshi filmmakers and visual storytellers get the opportunity to discuss ongoing projects and receive feedback from the experts; develop new project ideas; and practice pitching their projects, it adds.

The art envoys conducting the class included Hollywood scriptwriters, directors, and producers Javier Fuentes-León, Jim Young, Ruth Atkinson, Tatiana Kelly, and cinema expert Maria Bozzi from Film Independent. 

Sessions throughout the class also covered production, story structure, and a case study of the challenges facing the independent filmmakers, said the release.

The program connects visual storytellers around the world with leading US entertainment professionals through comprehensive filmmaker education, business training, professional networking opportunities and special tailored mentorships.

The virtual master class is an example of the many US government initiatives to promote free expression in the arts, economic diversification, and greater cooperation between the people of Bangladesh and the United States.

Under the program, US arts professionals – including performing artists, visual artists, poets, playwrights, theatrical and film directors, producers, curators, and others – travel overseas to conduct workshops, give performances, and mentor young people.

The Global Media Makers (GMM) program, launched in 2016, is an innovative mentorship program by Film Independent in partnership with the US Department of State.