A scene from “Lalon,” directed by Tanvir Mokammel. “Lalon,” along with other Mokammel films were recently screened in Morocco; Tanvir Mokammel (right)

For director Tanvir Mokammel, it was not only a time to judge others' films but also have his own works evaluated by others. And the venues for the two events were Rabat, the capital of the North African country Morocco, and its second most important city Casablanca.
Mokammel attended the 15th Rabat International Film Festival (from June 20 to 30) -- as one of the five members of the jury -- which saw Russian entry "Song of the White Monkey" take away the best film award. Following that, the Bangladesh Embassy in Morocco organised screenings of two of Mokammel's much-acclaimed films "Lalon" and "Lalshalu."
On June 28, "Lalshalu" was shown at the International University of Rabat where students from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, Indonesia, Tunisia, France and Morocco were present.
Two days later, a special show of "Lalon" was held at the Bangladesh Embassy premises for the cultural attaches of different embassies in Morocco. On July 2, the honorary consul of Bangladesh Embassy in Casablanca, Rachid Belkahia, organised a show of "Lalon" at the famous Churchill Club in Casablanca; a good section of the cultural elites attended the screening.
At all these shows, Mokammel himself was present to introduce his works to the discerning audiences in the North African country.
The Rabat International Film Festival showcased 36 feature films from 17 countries. Films, from renowned Greek director Costa Gavras' ''Eden is in the West" to new directors of Africa and Europe, were highlights of the event. There were multiple entries from Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and of course the host country Morocco.
Headed by veteran film critic Moritz de Hadlen of Switzerland, the jury consisted of Mokammel from Bangladesh, renowned painter Farid Belkahiya and litterateur Lalyla Chaouni, both from Morocco, and theatre personality Jawad Assadi from Lebanon.
The jury's special prize went to "Dawn of the World" (Iraq) and the honour for best screenplay went to "Home" (Holland).
The best actor award was given to Ricardo Scamarcio for his role in Costa Gavras' film "Eden is in the West" (France). Brenda Blethyn for her role in "London River" (Great Britain) won the best actress award.