Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said that films are not just a form of entertainment but a powerful medium capable of shaping human thought, perception and consciousness.
He made the remarks on Monday while speaking as the chief guest at a two-day festival celebrating the birth anniversary of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. The event was held at the Zahir Raihan Auditorium of Jahangirnagar University.
Zahir Uddin Swapon said that creative works such as films and literature can bring significant changes in human thinking and sometimes lead to a complete shift in perspective.
“Films are not only for enjoyment; they construct mindset, worldview and consciousness,” he said, adding that artists and communicators play a major role in influencing how society thinks and understands reality.
He further noted that creative professionals shape public perception through their work and help develop new ways of viewing society.
Referring to the historical context of the subcontinent, the minister said that the 1947 partition has had a deep and lasting impact on literature, culture and intellectual life. However, he stressed that such historical influences should not limit freedom of thought.
He encouraged openness in creativity, saying that history and tradition should be reinterpreted in modern contexts. According to him, critical thinking and the courage to question are essential foundations of creativity.
Minister Swapon also urged institutions working in history and heritage to expand their activities and engage more with younger generations.
Paying tribute to Satyajit Ray, he described the filmmaker’s humanism and free-thinking approach as his greatest legacy, saying it remains highly relevant in contemporary society.
He added that cinema, like literature, has the power to transform society by influencing how people think and perceive the world.
Earlier, the minister visited an art exhibition dedicated to Satyajit Ray and signed the visitors’ book.
The programme was also attended by Acting Indian High Commissioner Pawan Badhe, filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel, actor-director Toukir Ahmed, film researcher Moin Uddin Khaled, and other academics, filmmakers and students.
