Social Welfare Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Monday said that due to the effective policies and various initiatives of the government, better days of the country's film industry have returned and the future of films would be even brighter.

"Through the medium of films, a country's culture, history, tradition, literature and lifestyle can be documented and projected to the audiences - which our maestro filmmakers have done in the past. The government has been focusing on the further development of this important medium and as a result, we are witnessing the return of good films with even more in the future."

The Minister shared her remarks while inaugurating the Wide Angle section of the 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival at the Bangladesh National Museum on Monday.

Lauding the DIFF authority, Dipu Moni said that the Dhaka International Film Festival organizers have been performing an extraordinary task to continue this film festivity for such a long time and providing film enthusiasts with a great platform to watch, discuss and collaborate on films.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and Deputy Chair of Shanghai Film Association and distinguished film scholar Dr Shi Chuan were present as special guests in the ceremony, which was chaired by researcher and Liberation War Museum trustee Mofidul Hoque, one of the festival committee members.

This year's Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) is showcasing a total of 16 Chinese films as part of its coveted Wide Angle section, in association with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and the Shanghai International Film Festival.

"In the Wide Angle section, we invite audiences to embark on a fascinating journey that explores the variety of styles represented in contemporary Chinese cinema. A collection of 16 from the most active filmmakers currently working in China, set in refreshingly diverse milieus ranging from the Southeastern metropolitan Shenzhen to the Northwestern grasslands, these films explore various themes and genres such as adventure, animation, comedy, family and children's film, Sci-Fi, sport, suspense and more," according to DIFF authority.

"Despite the diversity of characters and storytelling, these films engage and resonate with us by sharing universal feelings and deep experiences within our hearts. We wish Chinese culture along with Chinese cinema will continue to enrich the cultural diversity of the world," the DIFF organizers quoted.

Initiated and organized by the Rainbow Film Society, the 22nd edition of DIFF will continue till January 28.

This year's festival is showcasing 252 films from 74 countries at the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Auditorium (main auditorium) and Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum, National Art Gallery Auditorium and National Music and Dance Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Academy Auditorium and Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Dhanmondi in the capital.