Dhaka International Film Festival closed on January 18, 2026 with a full awards slate and a clear message about scale.
The 24th edition ran January 10–18 in Dhaka, under the festival theme “Better Film, Better Audience, and Better Society.” ([The Daily Star][1])
A bigger DIFF footprint, with numbers that travel
Dhaka International Film Festival organizers and local reporting emphasized reach. The Daily Star reported that DIFF showcased 245 films from 91 countries, including 44 Bangladeshi films. ([The Daily Star][1])
Those figures matter because festival scale shapes business behavior. When a festival can reliably draw international titles and jurors, it becomes more than a screening circuit. Dhaka International Film Festival can start to function as a meeting place for distributors, curators, and co-production scouts.
The festival’s own site positions DIFF as a multi-section program and lists a broad schedule for the 2026 run. ([dhakafilmfestival.org][2])
Key winners: “Kurak” leads the Dhaka International Film Festival awards
The headline award went to “Kurak,” directed by Erke Dzhumakmatova and Emil Atageldiev of Kyrgyzstan. The Daily Star reported that “Kurak” won Best Film and received a special screening at the closing ceremony. ([The Daily Star][1])
In the Asian Film Competition section, the Daily Star reported:
Best Director: Emin Afandiyev for “Tənha İnsanın Monoloqu” (A Lonely Person’s Monologue).
Best Actor: Yerlan Tuleutay for “Abel.”
Best Actress: Fariba Naderi for “Shohar-E Setareh” (The Husband).
Best Script Writer: Dastan Madaliev and Aizada Bekbalaeva for “OT” (Burning).
Best Cinematography: Jolanta Dylewska for “Abel.”
The report also noted a Special Jury Mention for Best Director for Isfandiyor Ghulomov, tied to “Mohi Dar Shast” (Fish on the Hook). ([The Daily Star][1])
Dhaka International Film Festival also highlighted critic-facing prizes. In Bangladesh Panorama, “The University of Chankharpul,” directed by Monirul Haque, won the FIPRESCI Award for Best Full-Length Feature Film. In the Talent section, Tanha Tabassum’s “What If” won the FIPRESCI Award for Best Short Film, with “Dhet!” first runner-up and “Ishpite” second runner-up. ([The Daily Star][1])
Audience-facing awards added another signal. The Daily Star reported the Audience Award went to “Drained by Dreams,” a Bangladesh–South Korea co-production, and the Special Audience Award went to China’s “All Quiet at Sunrise.” ([The Daily Star][1])
Why DIFF matters as a market signal, not only a ceremony
Dhaka International Film Festival sits at an intersection of reputation and deal flow. A win can change how a film is pitched to sales agents. It can also influence which titles get invited to other festivals.
The structure of Dhaka International Film Festival supports this. DIFF lists categories that map onto common acquisition strategies, including Asian Competition, Bangladesh Panorama, Cinema of the World, Women Filmmakers, and Short and Independent Films. ([dhakafilmfestival.org][3])
That mix produces two practical outcomes.
Distribution pathways get clearer
When Dhaka International Film Festival awards a title like “Kurak,” it offers a visible quality signal to regional distributors. That can help films move into limited theatrical runs, festival touring, or platform licensing.
Co-production visibility rises
The Audience Award winner cited by the Daily Star was a Bangladesh–South Korea co-production. That type of credit matters for future financing. It also helps Bangladesh’s film ecosystem show cross-border capacity. ([The Daily Star][1])
What to watch after the Dhaka International Film Festival closes
Three post-festival indicators usually reveal whether momentum converts into business.
Sales announcements: whether winning films secure new territories.
Programming spillover: whether awards drive invitations to other festivals.
Local investment response: whether Bangladeshi projects attract stronger partners.
Dhaka International Film Festival is still building its international market identity. Yet the 2026 slate and awards suggest an event that can shape reputations, not just reflect them. ([The Daily Star][1])
Sources: https://www.thedailystar.net/entertainment/tv-film/news/diff-closing-ceremony-university-chankarphul-kurak-among-noted-winners-4084126 https://www.dhakafilmfestival.org/ https://www.dhakafilmfestival.org/festival-categories/