LONDON — Confusion reigns over which film will represent Bangladesh in Oscar’s foreign language category with rival factions both intending to submit movies.
The Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies chooses the nominee but, like last year, the federation has split into two groups, each claiming to be the body responsible for selection.
One faction comprises nine members of the BFFS led by producer Habibur Rahman Khan. It announced Tuesday that “Ghetuputra Kamola” (Pleasure boy Kamola) from helmer Humayun Ahmed, who died in July, was its pick for the Oscars.
It is opposed by an 11-member group, led by helmer-thesp Syed Hasan Imam, which has yet to unveil its choice.
Both sides have issued identical rules for submissions that comply with the Academy’s requirements and both claim to be authorized by Bangladesh’s Oscar committee.
This has left producers confused and irritated.
“Guerilla” director Nasiruddin Yousuff told the local press, “No movie from Bangladesh participated last year simply because of the rivalries. I expected my movie would go to the Oscars last year since it had won wide acclaim and participated in prestigious festivals, including Moscow Film Festival.”
