Released as a key part of the national film ecosystem study, the National Mapping Report is set for release in January 2026
The British Council unveiled a comprehensive policy review publication aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s film ecosystem through evidence-based research and inclusive stakeholder engagement, a press release said.
The report was launched at an event held at the British Council’s Fuller Road premise in Dhaka, where key stakeholders from government, policy, finance, creative economy, international cultural entities and the film sector convened to discuss the future of the country’s film industry landscape.
The policy review is a key part of the landmark research study titled ‘Cinema as a Creative Industry: Mapping Bangladesh’s Film Ecosystem and Inclusive Growth Potential’.
Led by Dr. Imran Firdaus, PhD as Lead researcher, the study is commissioned by the British Council and implemented by Dhaka DocLab, combining the British Council’s global research approach with Dhaka DocLab’s industry insights and on-the-ground experience in Bangladesh’s film sector.
The comprehensive research aims to provide a holistic understanding of Bangladesh’s film industry by mapping its current landscape, reviewing existing policies, and developing actionable recommendations to support sustainable and equitable growth.
At the event, the British Council also announced the upcoming launch of a mapping report from this study, which will incorporate recommendations from film industry stakeholders gathered through extensive consultations, set to release in January 2026.
The research initiative began in February 2025 with an open call by the British Council for participation and has since drawn on nationwide surveys and consultations with a broad range of industry figures, including producers, independent filmmakers, cinema hall owners, and students. This inclusive approach ensures that diverse voices across the film ecosystem are represented in shaping the sector’s future.
In her welcome remarks, Maarya Rehman, Deputy Director, British Council in Bangladesh, said, “We are proud to support this landmark study, which aims to ensure that diverse voices across the film sector—from producers to students—are represented in shaping the industry’s vibrant future. This effort reflects the British Council’s broader commitment to supporting the creative economy in Bangladesh by fostering dialogue, building capacity, and ensuring that the film industry continues to thrive as a driver of cultural and economic development.”
The event also featured a presentation by Dr. Imran Firdaus on the research findings and concluded with an interactive Q&A session where stakeholders shared challenges, opportunities, and the need for coordinated policy support to strengthen filmmaking. Noting on the report and the discussion, one of the invited guests, Adar Rahman, Lead, Innovation and Implementation, Chorki, commented, “It’s promising that such an initiative is being taken. As a platform, when we engage in market research, some level of bias inevitably comes into play. If more initiatives like this are taken and more in-depth work is done, we may be able to understand the true reality of the market. At the same time, those who work with us may feel that there is a lack of creative freedom, while others might believe there is an investment crisis. Through this kind of research, the true reality will become clear to everyone. For these reasons, I really appreciate this initiative. I am now looking forward to the report that will come in January 2026. I hope the report reaches a broader audience.”
Describing the event as an important step forward, representatives from the British Council reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the growth of Bangladesh’s creative industries through ethical initiatives and continued dialogue with policymakers, filmmakers, investors, and other stakeholders.
