Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival ends with awards ceremony

The 11th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival (DIMFF) 2025 has closed with awards for the best films in each category.

The closing ceremony was held at the Star Cineplex in Shimanto Shambhar, on Feb 23, according to a statement from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh.

This year, the festival received 117 film submissions from 28 countries. Of them, 27 were officially selected. Four of them also received awards.

The ceremony commenced in the evening with an opening speech by Prof Sumon Rahman. Following that, the chief guest, Gias Uddin Selim, presented awards to the jury members, UNHCR representatives, and DIMFF'25 Festival Director Hossain Haque.

The Iranian film “Message” by Saeed Moltaji won the Open Door Category. In the Vertical Film Category, “Limbus” by MC Jonet from the US took the top spot. The Short Film Award went to “Wandering Minds & Lost Lessons” by Abeer Bhaskar from the US, and in the One Minute Film Category, “WAY OUT” by Khoirom Anik from Bangladesh was recognised as the best film.

After the awards, 13 selected films from this year’s lineup were screened.

Jury member Taneam Rahman Angshu said he was “mesmerized to enjoy such good films made only using mobile phones without any proper lighting and enormous technical support”.

However, he was disappointed that only one Bangladeshi film was screened on closing day and pushed for more Bangladeshi films next year.

Gias Uddin Selim said being part of the festival was a “great experience”.

“DIMFF is doing really well. It’s been 11 years now. The festival has already become well known.”

UNHCR Representative Juliette Murekeyisoni called the workshop organised in collaboration with the DIMFF and UNHCR “truly amazing” and said the closing event felt like it lived up to Hollywood.

The closing speech was delivered by Sayeda Sadia Mehjabin, advisor to DIMFF. She thanked the participants, guests, and supporters for making the festival a success.