Shakib Khan, Bubly, Hridi Haq honoured at 1st New York Bangla Film Festival

The inaugural New York Bangla Film Festival concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the Jamaica Performing Arts Centre, wrapping up its four-day run with enthusiastic participation from the Bangladeshi diaspora and local cinema lovers.

Hosted by Priyojan Films and Lemon Studio in partnership with the American Bangladeshi Producers Association, the festival featured an array of Bangladeshi and North American feature films, documentaries and short films over its first three days.

The closing event included a colourful red-carpet reception, cultural performances and an awards ceremony attended by actors Zayed Khan, Kazi Maruf, Mamnun Emon, Sajal, Afsan Ara Bindu and musician Pratik Hasan.

Honouring excellence in Bangla cinema from 2023 to 2025, the festival awarded Shakib Khan the Best Actor title for Priyatama, while Shobnom Bubly was named Best Actress for Deyaler Desh. Hridi Haq received the Best Director award for 1971 Shei Shob Din.

Veteran actor Ahmed Sharif was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bengali cinema.

The festival also honoured Bioscope Films, Star Cineplex and OTT platform Chorki with special commemorative certificates for their significant roles in promoting and advancing Bengali cinema.