BANGLADESH FILM INSTITUTE
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
BFIAA — Est. 2009
Uniting the voices of cinema. A family of filmmakers, storytellers, and film lovers shaped by Bangladesh's premier film institution.
One Institute.
Thousands of Stories.
The Bangladesh Film Institute Alumni Association (BFIAA) is the official alumni organisation of the Bangladesh Film Institute (BFI), founded in 2005 by the acclaimed filmmaker and author Tanvir Mokammel.
BFIAA was established to bring together the growing family of BFI graduates — filmmakers, cinematographers, editors, producers, and film enthusiasts — who have been shaped by Bangladesh's most dedicated institution for cinema education.
Over more than two decades, BFI has produced over 1,000 graduates across 86+ batches, offering programmes ranging from the Film Appreciation Course to the Online Filmmaking Course. The Alumni Association serves as the living thread that keeps this community connected, active, and creative.
Through its biennial conferences, Uralchitra magazine, Cine Club Adda film screenings, and cultural programmes, BFIAA continues to champion the cause of independent cinema and film culture in Bangladesh.
Tanvir Mokammel
"A renowned Bangladeshi filmmaker, author, and the guiding force behind the Bangladesh Film Institute."
Tanvir Mokammel has profoundly shaped the landscape of independent cinema in Bangladesh. He has directed eight fiction films and seventeen documentaries, earning ten National Film Awards for his exceptional work.
Beyond filmmaking, he is a prolific writer with twenty-eight books published, including novels, articles, poems, and short stories that reflect deeply on Bangladeshi history and culture.
For his lifelong dedication to the arts, he was honored with the Ekushey Padak, the second-highest civilian award in Bangladesh. Currently, he serves as the director of BFI, continuing to mentor the next generation of filmmakers.
What We Stand For
Strengthen Film Culture
Promote and nurture a vibrant film culture across Bangladesh by bringing together alumni who are active voices in independent and documentary filmmaking.
Build the Alumni Network
Maintain a register of all BFI graduates and create meaningful connections between alumni working in film, media, education, and related creative fields.
Support Cinema Education
Assist and cooperate with the Bangladesh Film Institute in its educational programmes, workshops, masterclasses, and the overall mission of cinema literacy.
Publish & Archive
Publish Uralchitra, the association's magazine on film culture, and maintain an archive of alumni work, screening records, and institutional memory.
Screen & Celebrate
Organise Cine Club Adda screenings, film appreciation events, and celebrate the work of alumni filmmakers through festivals and retrospectives.
Global Reach
Connect Bangladesh's film community with international film institutes, festivals, and networks — giving BFI alumni a global platform.
Executive Committee
Full committee list available in the official gazette · View Constitution →
Events & Programmes
BFIAA organises a range of cultural, educational and community events that keep the alumni network alive and connected.
FLAGSHIP
BFIAA Biennial Conference & Cultural Evening
The landmark biennial gathering of BFI alumni from across Bangladesh. Featuring the release of Uralchitra magazine, panel discussions, film screenings, and cultural performances. The 2021 conference marked a significant reunion of the BFIAA community.
PUBLICATION
Uralchitra — BFIAA Film Magazine
Uralchitra (উড়ালচিত্র) is the alumni association's cultural magazine dedicated to film criticism, reviews, alumni profiles, and the broader discourse on cinema in Bangladesh. The 2023 edition featured special coverage of the 30th anniversary celebrations of BFI and contributions from leading alumni.
SCREENING
Cine Club Adda
A relaxed but passionate gathering for film lovers — alumni and friends — to screen, discuss and debate films from around the world. Cine Club Adda is BFIAA's ongoing informal film appreciation series that keeps the spirit of cinema alive between major events.
Masterclass by Tanvir Mokammel
Special masterclasses by BFI founder and celebrated documentary filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel, open to alumni and current students. These sessions explore the craft, philosophy and practice of independent filmmaking in Bangladesh.
A Decade of Togetherness
উড়ালচিত্র
Uralchitra
Uralchitra (literally, "the flying image") is the official magazine of the Bangladesh Film Institute Alumni Association. There are a total of 4 publications of Uralchitra released so far.
The latest publication is a Special Edition on Tanvir Mokammel, whose theme was "30 Years in Documentary Films of Tanvir Mokammel". This February 2023 issue celebrates his legacy and documentary practice in Bangladesh.
Each edition brings together essays, reviews, interviews, and creative writing from alumni and film scholars. It serves as a document of the BFI community's engagement with world cinema and as an archive of Bangladeshi film culture.
All Publications
Annual Picnic 2023
A day of joy, cricket, raffle draws, and memorable moments with our founding director Tanvir Mokammel and fellow alumni.
Moments in Film
From biennial conferences to cine club evenings — glimpses of the BFIAA community in action.
VIEWING PHOTOS FROM BFIAA BIENNIAL CONFERENCE — 17 DECEMBER 2021
Join the BFIAA Family
If you are a graduate of any BFI batch, you are eligible to join the Alumni Association. Connect with fellow alumni, attend exclusive events, and contribute to Bangladesh's film culture.
Get in Touch
To apply for membership, inquire about events, or connect with the BFIAA committee, fill out the form below or reach us through the Bangladesh Film Institute.
BFIAA Contact
Dhaka, Bangladesh