Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called upon the filmmakers to portray the rich history, tradition and culture of the Bangalee nation in their films to contribute in building a good society.

“The competition should not be for money, but should be in selecting the right subject and its portrayal,” she said while distributing the National Film Awards 2010 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the afternoon.

The prime minister said the government has decided to declare the film as an industry and expressed her hope to establish a welfare fund for the artistes.

This year 25 people have been awarded in 25 categories for movies released in 2010.

She said industries, trade, education and culture are all now facing open competition as it is the era of ICT and satellite. “The competition is a bit higher in the field of film and the filmmakers need to be aware of that.”

Apart from making good quality films, she urged the movie house owners to improve the environment in the movie houses.

Mentioning that around one crore expatriates are now living abroad, Sheikh Hasina said good films would create demands and these Bangalee expatriates can also create a bridge between them and their homeland.

She also called upon the media to encourage good movies.

Mentioning that the government has also ensured implementation of the Copyright Act as well as stopped making and display of obscene films, Hasina said, “The local films have started regaining their lost glory.”

She also said her government has

decided to observe April 3 as the 'National Film Day' to recall the contributions of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman towards developing the country's film sector.

Hasina said the Awami League government is giving donations to six filmmakers every year, including two of child films, apart from increasing the amount of donation. “We've also taken initiatives to provide donation to short and documentary filmmakers.”

In the National Film Award 2010, seasoned film actor Anwar Hossain received lifetime achievement award, while Sakib Khan for the film "Bhalobashlei Ghar Badha Jay Na" and Purnima for" Ora Amake Bhalo Hotey Dilo Na" received the best male actor and the best female actor award respectively.

The film "Gohine Shabda" was declared the best film while Khalid Mahmood Mithu the best film director for the same film.

MA Alamgir was named the best actor in a supporting role for the film "Jibon Moraner Sathi", while Romana was named the best actress for a supporting role in the film "Bhalobasley Ghar Badha Jai Na".

Sujoy Shyam was named the best music director for the film "Obujh Bou", while Emdadul Haq Khokon was named the best dance director for the songs "O Jibon Tuchha" in the film "Mughal-e-Azam".

SI Tutul was declared the best male singer and Shammi Akhter as best female singer, both for the same film "Bhalobasley Ghor Badha Jai Na". Sheikh Sadi Khan was announced as the best music composer for the film "Bhalobasley Ghor Badha Jai Na" and Kabir Bakul was named the best lyricist forthefilm "NisshasAmarTumi".

Awards were also given to the best costume designer, cinematographer and art director.