The 15th Dhaka International Film Festival, organised by Rainbow Film Society, came to a close on Friday, through awarding the best films in various categories.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor was the chief guest at the closing ceremony at the Main Auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum. In his speech, the minister lay emphasis on the globalisation of Bangla films, and urged filmmakers to portray the country's history and heritage through their films.

 “Qirmizi Bagh” (“Red Garden”) directed by Mirbala Salimli (from Azerbaijan/Russia) was awarded the Best Feature Film, while “Islands of the Monks” by Anne Christiane Girardot (Netherlands) was named Best Documentary. The Badal Rahman Award for Best Children's Film went to “Pitong Kabang Palay” (“Seven Sacks of Rice”) by Filipino director Maricel C Cariga, while the Best Audience Award went to Indian film “Sonar Baran Pakhi” (“The Golden Wing”) by Bobby Sarma Baruah. Bangladeshi film “Lal Char” (“The Red Sand”) by Nader Chowdhury earned a Special Mention in the Feature Film section, while the same in the documentary competition went to “La Sedia Di Cartone” (“The Special Chair”) from Italy by Marco Zuin.

In the Competition of the Asian Film Section, the FPRESCI Jury Award for the Best Film went to “The Dark Wind” by Hussein Hassan. The International Jury Award for Best Cinematography was given to “Cold of Kalandar” (“Kalandar Sogugu”). Iranian film “Life and a Day” was awarded the Best Script jointly with “Rauf” from Turkey. Maisa Abd Elhadi won Best Actress for Palestinian Film “3000 Nights” (which opened the festival), while Best Actor went to Farhad Aslani for Iranian film “Daughter”. Best Director went to Iranian Parviz Shahbazi for “Malaria”, and Best Film was given to Rezxa Mirakim's “Daughter”. Tauquir Ahmed's “Oggatonama” won a special mention from the International Jury.

The festival opened on January 12, and screened 188 films from 67 countries at various venues. The festival also included seminars, conferences and workshops.

The next edition of the film will be held on the same date, January 12, 2018.