Preserving Cinema. Culture. Community. চলচ্চিত্র · সংস্কৃতি · সম্প্রদায়
The first national film society dedicated exclusively to Bengali cinema across the United States and Canada — screening films, educating audiences, celebrating filmmakers, and carrying our stories to the world.
Why BFSNA · Why now
Despite the richness of Bangladeshi cinema — celebrated at Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and Toronto — and more than two million Bangladeshi diaspora members across North America, no national film society has ever existed for Bengali cinema in the United States and Canada. Until now.
Diaspora demand. Bengali communities across the continent hold deep cultural ties and actively seek authentic connections to their heritage.
Global recognition. Bangladeshi films are winning at the world's major festivals. North America has no stage built for them — yet.
Industry momentum. Hollywood studios and streaming platforms are turning toward South Asian stories and international co-productions.
Untapped market. Festivals, theatrical screenings, and distribution of Bangladeshi films remain profoundly underdeveloped here.
To be the leading cultural institution promoting Bangladeshi cinema and filmmakers in North America — a bridge between diaspora communities and contemporary Bangladeshi cinema, a recognized voice in international film discourse, and a platform for emerging and established talent.
Four strategic pillars
Tap each pillar to see how it comes to life — from monthly screenings to the continent's flagship festival. প্রদর্শনী · শিক্ষা · উৎসব · পরিবেশনা
Bringing films to audiences, city by city.
Deepening film literacy, frame by frame.
The premier celebration of Bengali cinema.
Carrying our films to every screen.
Flagship event
A 5–10 day annual celebration each May/June — the full spectrum of contemporary Bengali cinema, from Dhaka's boldest new voices to masters of the craft.
Opening & closing galas
100+ screenings, industry forums, filmmaker Q&As, networking receptions, and an awards ceremony with cash prizes and international recognition.
The flagship takes root — one city, one unforgettable week.
The festival travels — three cities sharing one celebration.
A continent-wide touring festival — the premier Bengali cinema event in North America.
Year-round
Beyond the festival, BFSNA is a living, breathing cinema community — screening, teaching, and gathering all year long.
Membership
Four tiers, one community. Every membership fuels screenings, education, and the festival — and puts you in the room where Bengali cinema's North American future is written.
Tell us who you are and which tier calls to you — we'll write back with everything you need to complete your founding membership. Early members are recognized permanently in the society's founding roll.
Founding members — those who join in our inaugural year — receive permanent founder recognition. It is an honor, not a privilege: it carries no special voting power or board authority beyond the love of cinema.
Regional expansion
From our Los Angeles headquarters outward — a phased expansion to the cities where Bengali North America lives, works, and watches.
Five-year roadmap
Impact goals — by year five
Sponsorship
Tiered partnerships for brands that want visibility across the festival, our screenings, and the Bengali diaspora of North America.
Sponsorship confers visibility and partnership — never membership rights or administrative authority.
Constitution & governance
A three-tier governance system keeps power with the members — the General Assembly holds supreme authority.
The supreme authority — every active member. Meets annually to elect the board, approve budgets, and set policy.
7–11 members elected for two-year terms. Strategic oversight, major decisions, executive leadership.
10 officer positions running day-to-day operations and executing the decisions of the board and assembly.
Executive offices
Strategic partnerships
Building bridges with universities, cultural institutions, guilds, and embassies — on both sides of the world.
+ cultural institutions · film guilds & unions · embassies · nonprofits
Contact
Los Angeles, California, USA
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