Young filmmakers were given certificates by Sisimpur Production at the Alliance Fran^aise auditorium recently. Filmmakers Tareq Masud and Manzarehasin Murad as well as cultural personality Sara Zaker were present at the event.

Sisimpur Production selected 18 promising young boys and girls between the age of 12 and 15 from the rural areas of Tangail, Dinajpur and Barisal district over the last three years. Children who never had the opportunity to use cameras before were trained to make documentary films and taught various technical aspects of filmmaking including lighting, sound recording, story selection and editing. Short films -- running for about 2 minutes -- made by these young filmmakers are aired in the programme Sisimpur on BTV. These short films are an essential part of the show, helping children learn about the varied lifestyles in Bangladesh. Twenty-two films will be aired in the years 2007 and 2008. The training took place under the supervision of Mohammed Ali Haider, head of Sisimpur live action department.

“To incorporate the idea of filmmaking among children is itself a very interesting idea. They can be an inspiration to the children who are growing up now. You have communicated with children of 3 to 6 years and brought smiles on their faces, which is a rather difficult task, even for the adults,” said Dr. Mehtab Khanam, head of the education and research team of Sisimpur, to the young filmmakers. Akiku Yabuki and June Lee of the Sesame Workshop congratulated the young filmmakers. “You are the only filmmakers in the world to make your own films for this show at this early age. You are sharing what you know, that's the reason these films look so natural,” Akiku said.

“You are learning, making films and even earning at this early age while we, adults, are still learning. Your works are almost flawless. You should sustain and explore this professionalism and nurse the urge to learn more in future,” Tareque Masud said to the young directors, welcoming them into the world of cinema.

Manzarehasin Murad expressed his satisfaction, saying that these young filmmakers from different parts of the country bring forth a proper representation in the visual media. Addressing the children as his fellow filmmakers, he said that they have properly utilised the opportunity they were given.

Sara Zaker pointed out that this is a great opportunity, especially for the girls, who will be able to speak out in the future through their films.

Young filmmakers Rabiul Islam Rubel and Shreoshy expressed their gratitude for getting this opportunity on behalf of all the young directors present at the event. Short films made by the children titled Kaktarua, Tire, Making Dugdugi, Making Swing for the Younger Brother and more were screened at the programme in between the speeches. Certificates were given towards the end of the event.