Shiba Shanu’s vision for a reformed movie industry

Veteran actor Shiba Shanu has starred in over 400 movies over 28 years, including titles such as 'Priyotoma' and 'Shikari'. Yet, he has never had the privilege of winning the National Film Award. He notes that these awards were one of the marks of political favouritism in the film industry.

This is only one of the ways politics has spread its roots in the entertainment industry. 

Despite his long career, Shanu was blacklisted by the previous government due to how vocal he was against such practices. Now, with a new chapter unfolding, the seasoned actor has stepped into the role of secretary of the newly-formed Non-Discrimination Film Interest Protection Committee.

The committee was formed to address irregularities and biases that plagued the industry, and create a space dedicated towards the improvement of Bangladesh's film industry.

In his new role, Shanu aims to bring the focus back to films rather than the politics behind it, and create a system that encourages talented filmmakers to pursue their passion. 

When the film industry plays favourites

Every year, over ten films receive grants of nearly one crore taka each. However, the allocation of these grants has drawn a lot of controversy over the years. Those favoured by political groups or members of the grant committee are the ones who end up receiving the funds.

Shiba Shanu wants to see a fairer distribution of grants and create avenues that encourage the audience to return to theatres. 

"Experience and work should be prioritised over political considerations in grant allocation, as it will make the film industry stronger," explained Shanu.

"The current amount being provided for each film should be doubled and the government should ensure the production and monthly releases of at least 12 films, with talented artistes in control," commented Shanu. 

Just by looking at the list of the National Film Award winners, it's clear that some people receive awards due to lobbying or political favouritism. Shiba Shanu believes awards should be based on talent and performance. 

"Many people say that you need to use connections to be able to get an award. But I do not know whether one can truly find peace by receiving an award through lobbying and placing it on their shelf."

Let artistes lead artistes

The Bangladesh Film Development Corporation is an integral part of the film industry. The government-controlled institution aids the production of domestic films, creating a space for quality films to emerge. 

There are now very few shoots and film-related activities taking place at the BFDC. Additionally, BFDC employees often protest unpaid wages and other financial dues. 

Yet, under the guise of modernisation, a 12-story building is being constructed on the BFDC premises, which has drawn mixed reactions from people in the film industry. Many view this project as a commercial move rather than one that would benefit the industry. 

Shanu believes that one of the core reasons behind this gap between what the industry really needs and what is being done is rooted in the system itself. 

The managing director (MD) position of the institution is typically filled by government officials. Bureaucrats with little to no understanding of the film industry are appointed to lead the institution. As a result, these officials often struggle to grasp the nature of the filmmakers' work. 

"Will building a commercial high-rise on BFDC's land lead to the development of the film industry? The BFDC should be reformed based on the aspirations of the filmmakers. If a bureaucrat is appointed as the head of BFDC, they will spend a significant amount of time just trying to understand the work," said Shanu.

He continues, "I think senior members of the film industry who have extensive knowledge of film and its production should be given the responsibility. In the past, actors like Wasimul Bari Rajib and Pijush Bandyopadhyay have held these positions."

Bringing the focus back to films

In recent years, the Film Artistes' Association has been more in the spotlight than actual film production, particularly due to the tension surrounding its elections. However, after the new government took over, many of the prominent leaders of this association took a step back, away from the public eye.

In contrast, a large group of artistes continued to work, keeping their eyes on the goal, while completely separating themselves from the controversies of the Film Artistes' Association.

Shanu also wants to encourage the industry to keep the focus on what matters – films.

"The main role of this committee is not to develop the film industry, but to look after the welfare of the artistes."

"However, I believe that if the association is run with guidance from our most respected senior artistes, it will ultimately benefit the artistes themselves."