Dr. Fahmida Akhter Professor, Department of Drama & Dramatics
PROFILE
SHORT BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Fahmida Akhter joined the Department of Drama and Dramatics in June 2006. Since then, she has made significant contributions to the fields of teaching and research. She currently serves the Department as both a Professor and Chairperson.
Fahmida Akhter holds a PhD in Film Studies from the University of Essex, UK, and her doctoral studies were supported by the prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship. Her thesis, titled "Fragmented Memory, Incomplete History: Women and Nation in War Films of Bangladesh," examines the intersection of gender dynamics and nationalism in shaping memories and histories related to the Liberation War through examining war-themed films of Bangladesh. She obtained her BA (Hons) and MA in Drama and Dramatics from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. She further expanded her expertise by obtaining a second Master's degree in Digital Design from Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea, having received the full ACE Scholarship from the Korean Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.
Dr. Akhter is also an accomplished documentary film director. Many of her documentaries have been produced by the Bengal Foundation, a prominent art trust in Bangladesh. Notably, seven of her documentary films have been published as DVDs by the Bengal Foundation. Some of her notable works include: "The Homecoming" (2008), "Garaner Gahine" (2008), "Nishorger Ankiye" (Ode to Nature: Portrait of an Artist, 2004), and "Surer Swajan" (2005).
Prior to entering academia, Dr. Akhter had three years of working experience as a program producer in the television industry of Bangladesh (first working at Ekushey Television and then at Channel One). Her YouTube channel showcases her directed documentaries, TV shows, and discussions she has been a part of: https://www.youtube.com/user/fahmidad74/videos. In media circles, she is also known by the name "Fahmida Munni." During the lockdown, she hosted a regular online live talk show called "FILM TALK with Fahmida," engaging film-related personalities from both Bangladesh and beyond.
Her scholarly articles, both written in Bangla and English, on various aspects of Bangladeshi cinema and theater have been published in several national and international refereed journals. She is also the author of "Alamgir Kabirer Chalachchitra" [The Films of Alamgir Kabir] (2019), a Bangla language book publication, released by the Bangladesh Film Archive.
For more details about Fahmida's work, please view the profiles below:
Google Scholar ResearchGate ORCID ID Academia.edu Scopus YouTube Facebook Page
RESEARCH INTEREST
Cinema of Bangladesh, Film Studies, Digital Design, Documentary Film Productions, Traditional Theatrical Forms and Performance in Bangladesh, Theater Archeology and Scene Design.
JOURNAL PAPER
ফাহমিদা আক্তার/ Fahmida Akhter, “সেলিম আল দীনের কথানাট্য চাকা: বিষয়, আঙ্গিক ও মঞ্চপ্রয়োগের একটি নিবিড় পাঠ” [Selim Al Deen's Kathā-nāṭya 'Chaka': A Close Reading of Its Theme, Form, and Staging], Theatre Studies, XXXI, June, pp.75-106, 2024.ফাহমিদা আক্তার /Fahmida Akhter, জহির রায়হান-এর বেহুলা (১৯৬৬) এক সংগ্রামী নারীর চিত্রালেখ্য: লোকপুরাণ আর মেলোড্রামার মিশ্রণে বাঙালির আত্মপরিচয় উদ্বোধনের চলচ্চিত্র [‘The Portrait of a Revolutionary Woman in Zahir Raihan's "Behula" (1966): A Film Combining Folklore and Melodrama to Introduce the Bengali Identity], বাংলা একাডেমি ফোকলোর পত্রিকা/Bangla Academy Folklore Patrika, 5th Year, Issue: 1, pp.90-113, December, 2023.
ISSN: 2709-4146 (Written in Bangla/Bengali)
ফাহমিদা আক্তার /Fahmida Akhter, সূর্য দীঘল বাড়ী (১৯৭৯) চলচ্চিত্রের আখ্যান ও আঙ্গিকে নব্যবাস্তববাদী চলচ্চিত্ররীতির শিল্পরূপ অনুসন্ধান [Surja Dighal Bari (The Ominous House, 1979): Exploring Neorealist Cinematic Features in the Film's Narrative and Form.], Theatre Studies Journal, Department of Drama and Dramatics, Jahangirnagar University, 30, pp.75-114, June, 2023.ISSN 2415-458X (Written in Bangla/Bengali)
ফাহমিদা আক্তার /Fahmida Akhter, "বাংলাদেশে চলচ্চিত্র পরিচালনায় নারী: প্রেক্ষাপট, প্রতিকূলতা ও সম্ভাবনা অনুসন্ধান” [Women Filmmakers in Bangladesh: Exploring the Context, Challenges and Prospects], নারী ও প্রগতি/ Nari O Progati, The six-monthly journal of Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha (BNPS), Year 19, 37, pp.28-56, January-June, 2023.ISSN 2313 0040 (Written in Bangla).
ফাহমিদা আক্তার/Fahmida Akhter, ঋত্বিক ঘটকের তিতাস একটি নদীর নাম (১৯৭৩) চলচ্চিত্র: মালো জীবন-বাস্তবতার মহাকাব্যিক নির্মাণ [Ritwik Ghatak’s Titash Ekti Nadir Naam (A River Called Titas, 1973): The Making of an Epic with the Depiction of the Reality of the Lives of the Malos (Fishermen Community)], The Jahangirnagar Review, Part-C, XXXII, pp.25-66, 2021 (Published in April 2023).ISSN 2306-3920 (Written in Bangla).
Fahmida Akhter, Muktijuddhokaleen Chalachchitra: Nirmatar Drishtikon O Rashtravede Itihash Nirmaner Shwarup [The Films Made During the Liberation War: The Perspectives and History Making Processes by the Filmmakers from different Countries], Clio, Jahangirnagar University Journal of the Department of History, XXXVIII, pp.125-158, 2021.ISSN 1560-7577 (Written in Bangla)
Fahmida Akhter, Alamgir Kabirer Niyom Bhangar Chalachchitra Shimana Periye (1977) [Shimana Periye (Across the Fringe, 1977), a Rule Breaking Film by Alamgir Kabir], The Jahangirnagar Review, Part-C, XXXI, pp.85-126, 2020.ISSN 2306-3920 (Written in Bangla).
Fahmida Akhter, Interpretive framework in Muktir Gaan (Song of Freedom, 1995): (Re)vision of history and gender by a popular documentary film on the Liberation War of Bangladesh, South Asian Popular Culture, 17, 3, pp.227–246, 2019. doi: 10.1080/14746689.2019.1665870[Published by Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group]
Fahmida Akhter, Agami (The Time Ahead, 1984), the First Short Film of Bangladesh: Toward a New Cinematic Aesthetic of Imaging Time and Nation, BioScope: South Asian Screen Studies Journal, 10, 1, pp.11–29, 2019. doi: 10.1177/0974927619855449[Published by SAGE].
Fahmida Akhter, The construction of the new Bengali woman in Nasiruddin Yousuff's Guerrilla (2011), South Asian Popular Culture, 13, 3, pp.199−216, 2015. doi: 10.1080/14746689.2016.1210296[Published by Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group].
Fahmida Akhter, ‘Shurjokonna’: Moddhobitter Abodomito Akangkha o Fantasyr Monobishleshon) [‘Surjokannya (Daughter of the Sun, 1976)’ by Alamgir Kabir: Psychoanalysis of the Suppressed Desires and Fantasies of the Middle Class], Bangladesh Film Archive Journal, 8, pp.88−99, June 2015.ISSN 2074-2134 (Written in Bangla/Bengali).
Fahmida Akhter, Panning from the Past to the Present: The Climate, Context and Concept of Bangladeshi National Cinema, Shilpakala (Annual Journal), XXII, pp.49−67, 2014.Published by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (National Academy of Fine and Performing Arts of Bangladesh).
Fahmida Akhter, Framing Pain as Spectacle: The Aesthetics of Wartime Films of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Film Archive Journal, Issue 7, pp.38−50, 2014.(ISSN 2074-2134)
Fahmida Akhter, JIBON THEKEY NEYA (GLIMPSES OF LIFE, 1970): THE FIRST POLITICAL FILM IN PRE-LIBERATION BANGLADESH AND A CINEMATIC METAPHOR FOR NATIONALIST CONCERNS, Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (Humanities), Vol. 59, 2, pp.291−303, December, 2014.(ISSN 1015-6836)
Fahmida Akhter, ‘Dhirey Bohey Meghna’: Muktijuddher Pramanno o Fictioner Ek Additio Bhasha) [Alamgir Kabir’s ‘Dhirey Bohey Meghna’ : A Unique Cinematic Language Combining Documentary and Fiction], Bangladesh Film Archive Journal, Issue 5, pp.113−122., June 2012.(ISSN 2074-2134) (Written in Bangla/Bengali).
Fahmida Akhter, Shater Dashaker Istehar o Alamgir Kabirer Atmo-Abishkarer Chalachchitra ‘Rupali Shoikatey’ [‘Rupali Shoikatey (The Loner, 1979)’: A Mirror of the 1960s and a Self Portrayal Film by Alamgir Kabir], Bangladesh Film Archive Journal, Issue 4, pp.29−38., June 2011.(ISSN 2074-2134) (Written in Bangla/Bengali).
Fahmida Akhter, Bharater Vikrishtamadhya Rangamancha O Greek Classical Theaterer Tulana Chitra [A Comparative Study Between Bharat’s Vikrishtamadhya Rangamancha and Greek Classical Theatre], Theatre Studies Journal, 17, pp.55−98, Department of Drama and Dramatics, Jahangirnagar University, June 2010.(Written in Bangla/Bengali)
Fahmida Akhter, Nobbo-Nrigoshthi Natte Fusion: Ekti Marma Rupkotha [Fusion in Neo-ethnic Theatre: ‘Ekti Marma Rupkotha’], Theatre Studies Journal, XIV, pp.83-102, Department of Drama and Dramatics, Jahangirnagar University, June 2007.(Written in Bangla/Bengali)
CONFERENCE PAPER
Fahmida Akhter, মুক্তিযুদ্ধকালীন চলচ্চিত্র: নির্মাতার দৃষ্টিকোণ ও রাষ্ট্রভেদে ইতিহাস নির্মাণের স্বরূপ/The Wartime Films of Bangladesh: Representation, Reality and the Framing of History, ULAB MULTICULTURAL CONCLAVE 2022, ULAB, 2022.YouTube link to the presentation.
Fahmida Akhter, “Women Filmmakers in Bangladesh: Exploring Women’s Authorship, Opportunities and Obstacles in Filmmaking”, ‘Bangladesh at 50 Beyond Rhetoric’, Organized with the support of Queen Mary University of London SOUTH ASIA FORUM (ONLINE), 10 December, 2021.Youtube link to the recording of the conference presentation: Fahmida Akhter’s presentation is at 37:41 (minutes) of the video.
Fahmida Akhter, Interpretive Framework in Muktir Gaan (Song of Freedom), IAGS Conference: "Genocide and Its Prevention in the Digital Age: 21st Century Challenges", Panel on "Projections of War: Cinematic Representations of Bangladesh’s Independence", Universitat de Barcelona, Spain, 20 July, 2021. Fahmida Akhter, Framing Pain as Spectacle: The Aesthetics of Wartime Films of Bangladesh, CHHAYACHHABI Film Festival 2018, Department of Film and Media Studies, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Bangladesh, 29-31 October, 2018. Fahmida Akhter, Shilalipi and the De-aestheticization of “Woman”: the Making of a Bangladeshi Women’s Cinema, Rethinking Gender, Identity, and Popular Culture in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka: A Faculty Research Conference, SAS Conference Room, Subir & Malini Chowdhury Center for Bangladesh Studies,University of California, Berkeley, USA, 28 April, 2018.News link to the UC Berkeley’s Webpage
Fahmida Akhter, Panning from the Past to the Present: The Climate, Context and Concept of Bangladeshi National Cinema, 5th International Congress of Bengal Studies, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh, 25-28 January, 2018.Fahmida Akhter, The Construction of the “New Bengali Woman” in Guerrilla (2011), AMSN3 (Australian Modernist Studies Network): Modernist Work Conference, University of New South Wales, Australia, 29-31 March, 2016.
Link to the Conference Programme
Fahmida Akhter, Revisiting Screen Memories and the History Making Process: Women in Mainstream War Films of Bangladesh, Challenging Gender, Embracing Intersectionality? A one- day CHASE Symposium, Open University, Camden, UK., 28th November, 2015.Fahmida Akhter, Witness, Atrocity and the ‘Spectacle’: The Aesthetic and Issues of Wartime Films of Bangladesh, Annual International Conference on Humanities and Arts in a Global World, Athens Institute for Education and Research, Athens, Greece, 3-6 January, 2014. Fahmida Akhter, Diffused and Distorted Images: Representation of Women in Bangladeshi War Themed Films, Women in War and at War Conference, Aberystwyth University, UK, 11 - 12 May, 2012.
Fahmida Akhter, Women in War: Memory Making and Memory Meaning in Bangladeshi War-based Films, Mapping the Journey: Excursions in postgraduate research in Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies, the annual LiFTS PhD conference, University of Essex, UK, 2012.
Fahmida Akhter; Hyun-Jung Yu, Station ID, a graphics tools for determining station character, embedded from the culture: A comparative study between Korea and Bangladesh, 6th Annual Conference of ADADA (Asia Digital Art and Design International Conference) 2008., pp.42-45, Seoul, South Korea, 2008.
BOOK
Fahmida Akhter, আলমগীর কবিরের চলচ্চিত্র/Alamgir Kabirer Chalachchitra [The Films of Alamgir Kabir], pp.174, 2019.(Dhaka: Bangladesh Film Archive), ISBN 978-984-34-6862-8 (Written in Bangla/Bengali)
BOOK CHAPTER
Fahmida Akhter, “Framing Pain as Spectacle: The Aesthetics of Wartime Films of Bangladesh”, in Compilation of the History of Cinema in Bangladesh (First Part), (Compiled & Edited by) Abul Kalam Mohammad Shamsuddin, (Dhaka: Bangladesh Film Archive), pp.424- 436, 2021.ISBN: 978-984-95330-2-3
Fahmida Akhter, Zahir Raihan’s Stop Genocide (1971): A Dialectical Cinematic Message to the World, In: South Asian Filmscapes: Transregional Encounters. Edited by Elora Halim Chowdhury and Esha Niyogi De, University of Washington Press, pp.233-249, 2020.ISBN: 9780295747842, View item online at JSTOR Books
AWARD
2019-2020.Received research grant from the UGC, Bangladesh. Project title: সূর্য দীঘল বাড়ী (১৯৭৯) চলচ্চিত্রের আখ্যান ও আঙ্গিকে নয়াবাস্তব চলচ্চিত্র রীতির শিল্পরূপ অনুসন্ধান [In Search of the Neo-Realist Cinematic Aesthetic in the Narrative and Structure of the Film Surjo Dighal Bari (The Ominous House, 1979)] .
2018-19.Received research grant from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of Jahangirnagar University. Project title: আলমগীর কবিরের নিয়ম ভাঙ্গার চলচ্চিত্র সীমানা পেরিয়ে (১৯৭৭): বিষয়, পরিপ্রেক্ষিত ও নির্মাণ শৈলীর একটি নিবিড় পাঠ [Shimana Periye (Across the Fringe, 1977), a Rule-breaking Film by Alamgir Kabir: A Close Analysis of the Contents, Context and Making of the Film].
2018.Received fellowship for participating “Faculty Training Workshop on Writing and Publishing” at University of California, Berkeley, from April 23rd-28th, 2018, organized by the Subir and Malini Chowdhury Center for Bangladesh Studies, American Institute of Bangladesh Studies, and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers, USA.
2015.Grant, awarded by the FfWG (Funds for Women Graduate), UK (received as a PhD candidate in Film Studies in the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies at University of Essex, UK).
2015.Doctoral Bursary from the Charles Wallace Bangladesh Trust, UK (received as a PhD candidate in Film Studies, at University of Essex, UK).
2013.Winner of the ‘Equality and Diversity’ photographic competition for the photograph Us in 2013, at University of Essex, UK. News link
2011-2014.Commonwealth Scholarship for doing PhD in Film Studies at University of Essex, UK; thesis title: "Fragmented Memory, Incomplete History: Women and Nation in War Films of Bangladesh".
2010.Research fellowship funded by the Bangladesh Film Archive. Project title: "আলমগীর কবিরের চলচ্চিত্র: বিষয়, আঙ্গিক ও নির্মাণ স্বাতন্ত্র্য [The Films of Alamgir Kabir: Contents, Structure and Film-making Process]"
2008-09.ACE Scholarship for studying Master in Technology and Development (Major: Design) at Ewha Womans University, South Korea.
2004.Winner of the "Best Documentary Film Director in Art and Culture" as "Fahmida Munni" for the film Nishorger Ankiey (Ode to Nature : Portrait of an Artist) at 5th Bangladesh Film Festival, London, organized by the Rainbow Film Society (Youtube links to the film: Part 1, Part 2).
KEYNOTE SPEECH
Fahmida Akhter, “The Wartime Films of Bangladesh: The History Making Processes and Perspectives of the Directors from Different Countries”, 7th International Conference on Bangladesh Genocide and Justice, Organized by Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh, in association with Bangladesh Film Archive, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 6-7 December, 2021.SEMINAR
Fahmida Akhter/ফাহমিদা আক্তার, "সেলিম আল দীনের কথানাট্য 'চাকা': মঞ্চে ও চলচ্চিত্রে।"[ “Chaka (The Wheel), a Kathānāṭya (Narration-based Play) by Selim Al Deen: On Stage and Screen”], On the occasion of the 74th birth anniversary of Natyacharya Selim Al Deen, pp.1-23, at the Department of Drama and Dramatics (Set Lab), Old Arts Building, Jahangirnagar University, 18 August, 2023.Fahmida Akhter, “Interpretive framework, and the (Re)vision of history and gender in Muktir Gaan (Song of Freedom, 1995)”, Seminar Series, 'Rhizome', at the Department of English, East West University, 20th July, 2023.
Fahmida Akhter, Fragmented Memory, Incomplete History: Women and Nation in the War Films of Bangladesh, Talk by Dr Fahmida Akhter, organized by Department of English, University of Liberal Arts of Bangladesh, Campus B, Seminar Room, ULAB, November 30, 2017.
News link, appeared on ULAB’s web page This talk by Dr Fahmida Akhter, was on her PhD project, conducted and completed at the University of Essex, UK.
Fahmida Akhter, সূর্যকন্যা: মধ্যবিত্তের অবদমিত আকাঙ্ক্ষা ও ফ্যান্টাসির সাইকো এনালাইলিসস/ ‘Surjokannya’: Moddhobitter Abodomito Akangkha O Fantacir Psychoanalysis [The Psychoanalysis of the Suppressed Desires and Fantasies of the Middle Class in ‘Surjokannya’, Research Project Seminar Funded by the Bangladesh Film Archive, Old Arts Faculty, Room 211, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh., 22 May, 2010.A seminar under the research project entitled: "Alamgir Kabirer Chalachchitra: Bishoi, Angik O Nirman Shatontra/আলমগীর কবিরের চলচ্চিত্র: বিষয়, আঙ্গিক ও নির্মাণ স্বাতন্ত্র্য [The Films of Alamgir Kabir: Analyzing the Contents, Structure and Film-making Process]", organized by the Bangladesh Film Archive and Department of Drama and Dramatics, JU.
WORKSHOP
Fahmida Akhter (Conducted by), "Understanding Documentary Film Production: In Theory and Practice", Organized by UAP Film Club, University of Asia Pacific (UAP), Bangladesh, 31st March, 2022.Fahmida Akhter (Participated), "Faculty Training Workshop on Writing and Publishing", University of California Berkeley, April 23rd-28th, 2018.
Organized by the Subir and Malini Chowdhury Center for Bangladesh Studies, American Institute of Bangladesh Studies, and Council of American Overseas Research Centers.
Fahmida Akhter (Participated), "CHASE’s ‘Humanities in Human Rights’ AHRC Training Programme", University of East Anglia, University of Essex and University of Sussex, 2013-2014.This training program was designed for postgraduate students and early career researchers.
Fahmida Akhter (Participated), "AHRC-funded training programme ‘Going Digital’ on the use of digital resources in humanities research", Goldsmiths University of London, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Kent and University of Sussex, 2013.Fahmida Akhter (Participated), "Television Lighting Techniques", ETV (Ekushey Television Limited), 2000.
Conducted by the International Television Training and Consultancy (ITTC) and organised by ETV (Ekushey Television Limited).
Fahmida Akhter (Participated), "Television in Ageing Society", NIMCO, Bangladesh, 29 October – 02 Nov, 2000.Organised by the Asia- Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development and was conducted by the Help Age International.
Fahmida Akhter (Participated), "Design Document Workshop’ to design a 39 episodes TV Drama Serial", 10-17 October, 2000.Organised by the Bangladesh Centre for Communication Programs (BCCP).
OTHER
ফাহমিদা আক্তার/Fahmida Akhter, টোবা টেক সিং/Toba Tek Singh, [A translation of the story ‘Toba Tek Singh’ by Saadat Hasan Manto], কালি ও কলম, একবিংশ বর্ষ, সপ্তম-অষ্টম সংখ্যা, pp.পৃ. ১০৯-১১২, ভাদ্র-আশ্বিন ১৪৩১/সেপ্টেম্বর, ২০২৪.ফাহমিদা আক্তার/Fahmida Akhter, খুলে দে/Khuley De, [A translation of the short story ‘Khol Do’ by Saadat Hasan Manto], প্রথম আলো, অন্য আলো, pp.পৃ. ৫, ২০ সেপ্টেম্বর, ২০২৪.
Dr Fahmida Akhter, Bangabandhu through the eyes of Japanese filmmaker, Nagisa Oshima, Daily Star, (online version), Life & Living, 2023, 25 March.
Fahmida Akhter, জাহাঙ্গীরনগর বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের “নাটক ও নাট্যতত্ত্ব” বিভাগ: পথচলা, প্রায়োগিক সম্ভাবনা ও পাঠদানের কিছু কথা [The Department of Drama and Dramatics of Jahangirnagar University: A few words on its journey, pragmatic possibilities and teaching], শিক্ষার্থী কল্যাণ সাময়িকী ২০২১-২২, জাহাঙ্গীরনগর বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়: গৌরবের ৫০ বছর [Student Welfare Periodicals 2021-22, Jahangirnagar University: 50 Years of Glory], pp.37-44, Edited by Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Mannan Chowdhury and Professor Dr. Syeda Fahliza Begum., 2023.
[Written in Bangla].
Fahmida Akhter (Direction and Script), Documentary on Jahangirnagar University for the celebration of its 6th Convocation, Produced by the Cultural Subcommittee of the 6th Convocation of JU, Jahangirnagar University, February, 2023.Fahmida Akhter (Direction and Script), ভরা থাক স্মৃতিসুধায় বিদায়ের পাত্রখানি/Bhora Thak SmrityShudhai Bidaer Patrakhani, a documentary to convey tribute to the faculty members who have retired from their service at Jahangirnagar University in 2022. Produced by: Jahangirnagar University Teachers’ Association (JUTA)-2022, 2022.
Fahmida Akhter (hosted and directed by), FILM TALK with Fahmida, a regular online live talk show with the participation of film-related personalities from and beyond Bangladesh, 2020, Links and topics of different episodes are:.
Catherine Masud; Tanvir Mokammel; Amitabh Reza Chowdhury; Morshedul Islam; Chanchal Chowdhury; on Zahir Raihan; Shameem Akhtar; Nasiruddin Yousuff; Abu Sayeed; Tauquir Ahmed; Buddhadeb Dasgupta; Azizur Rahman; Nargis Akhter; Dr Lotte Hoek & Prof. Dr Zakir Hossain Raju; and on ‘Surjo Dighal Bari’ [The Ominous House, 1979].
Fahmida Akhter, Flashback: A Brief History of Cinema in Bangladesh before its Formation (1896-1970),Celluloid, 2014, Volume 35, (3&4): 28-37 (Magazine article).
Fahmida Akhter (ফাহমিদা আক্তার), সূর্যকন্যা : মধ্যবিত্তের অবদমিত আকাঙ্ক্ষা, শিল্প ও শিল্পী, তৃতীয় বর্ষ, প্রথম সংখ্যা, 2013.(Magazine article written in Bangla).
Fahmida Akhter (Direction and Script), ফেরা/ Phera [The Homecoming], a Bengal Foundation Production (Documentary film on Bangladeshi-Spanish artist Monirul Islam), 2008.(Published in DVD, Publisher: Bengal Foundation).
Fahmida Akhter (Direction and Script), গড়নের গহীনে (Garaner Gahine), A Bengal Foundation Production (Documentary film on Bangladeshi artist/sculptor Abdur Razzaque), 2008.(Published in DVD, Publisher: Bengal Foundation).
Fahmida Akhter (Produced/Directed as 'Fahmida Munni'), আকার ইকার/ 'Akar Ekar', Produced and Broadcast on Channel One (Channel One Entertainment Limited, Bangladesh) Bangladesh, 2006. a regular quiz and game show, based on Bangla language and culture; hosted by Adnan Faruque.Fahmida Akhter (Produced/Directed as 'Fahmida Munni'), অল্প স্বল্প গল্প /‘Alpa Shalpa Galpa’, Produced and Broadcast on Channel One (Channel One Entertainment Limited, Bangladesh) Bangladesh, 2006. a documentary series, focused on unexplored but success stories of different people.
Different episodes of Alpa Shalpa Galpa are: Cinema banner painters, Yves Marre and boats of Bengal; Amitabh Reza Chowdhury; Gazir Pat; Satirical magazine ‘Unmad’, Adil Hoque with autism symptoms; Decorative art glass designer; an antique collector; Traditional Mask & Mask Artist Juice.
Fahmida Akhter (Direction and Script as 'Fahmida Munni'), সুরের স্বজন (Shurer Swajan), A Bengal Foundation Production (Documentary film on singer Nilufar Yasmin), 2005.(Published in DVD, Publisher: Bengal Foundation).
Fahmida Akhter (Direction and Script as Fahmida Munni), নিসর্গের আঁকিয়ে/Nishorger Ankieya [Ode to Nature: Portrait of an Artist], A Bengal Foundation Production (Documentary film on Bangladeshi painter Qayyum Chowdhury), (2004).(Published in DVD, Publisher: Bengal Foundation).
Fahmida Akhter (As Fahmida Munni), পুতুলের প্রাণ/Putuler Pran [The Life of Puppet], Kali O Kalam, First Year, 9th Issue, pp.120-123, October, 2004.(Magazine article, written in Bangla).
Fahmida Akhter (Produced/Directed as 'Fahmida Munni'), শব্দ জব্দ/‘Shabdo Jabdo’, Produced by and Broadcast on ETV (Ekushey Television Limited), Bangladesh, 2002.A serial quiz and game show on Bangla language, Hosted by Suborna Mustafa.
Fahmida Akhter (Produced/Directed as 'Fahmida Munni'), ‘Kenkata’, Produced by and Broadcast on ETV (Ekushey Television Limited), Bangladesh, 2001-2.a regular lifestyle program, focussed on fashion and shopping; hosted by Jaya Ahsan.
Fahmida Akhter (Produced/Directed as 'Fahmida Munni'), 'Priotomashu’, Produced by and Broadcast on ETV (Ekushey Television Limited), Bangladesh, 2002.a regular program, centred on women's issues and success stories; hosted by Tania Ahmed.
Fahmida Akhter (Produced/Directed and scripted as 'Fahmida Munni'), ‘Chirontony’, Produced by and Broadcast on ETV (Ekushey Television Limited), Bangladesh, 2000.a show based on Bangladeshi old film songs, with the participation of celebrity and audience couples.
Fahmida Akhter (Translation), "হঠাৎ খেলা”/Hothath Khela, [translation of the short story “Let’s Play a Game” by Alberto Moravia], ভোরের কাগজ (Bhorer Kagoj), সাময়িকী (Shmoeki), 13 August, 1999.Fahmida Akhter, The Theatre Production, ‘BishadShidhu' by the Group Theatre Troupe, Dhaka Padatik [পদাতিক নাট্যদলের বিষাদসিন্ধু/Padatik Nattyadaler 'BishadShindhu' ], Shamoiki, Bhorer Kagoj, 8 January 1999.
(Newspaper article, written in Bangla).
Teaching
| Course Code | Course Title | Semester/Year |
|---|---|---|
| DAD 308 | Film Studies | Third Year [B.A. (Hons)] |
| DAD 519 | Design Studies | M.A. |
| DAD 520 | Graphic Design | M.A. |
| DAD 556 | Photography and Publication | MA |
| DAD 651 | Mass Media Production Techniques | M.Phil |
Academic Info
Period: October 2011- July 2017
PhD in Film Studies; Title of the thesis: "Fragmented Memory, Incomplete History: Women and Nation in War Films of Bangladesh"; Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies (Received Commonwealth Scholarship).
Period: March 2008- August 2009
Master's in Technology and Development (Design); Department: Interdisciplinary Program of Technology and Development (Supported by Full ACE Scholarship).
Period: 1997-1998 (Academic Session 1994-95)
MA in Drama and Dramatics, First Class First position
Period: 1992-1997 (Academic Session 1991-92)
BA with Honours in Drama and Dramatics, 2:1st, (Secured First Place among the Peer Group)
Experience
Position: Professor
Period: February 2022 - Present
Taught courses in this position:
- Film Studies [For Third Year B.A. (Hons) [2017, 2018, 2019 (ongoing)]
- Design Studies [For M.A. 2018 (ongoing)
- Graphic Design [For M.A. 2018 (ongoing)
Position: Adjunct Faculty
Period: Summer Semester, 2021; Spring Semester 2022
Teaching Playwriting Course for MA
Position: Adjunct Faculty
Period: Spring Semester, 2022
Taught course: Film and Television in Bangladesh, Course code: CMN 307-1
Position: Associate Professor, Department of Drama and Dramatics
Period: November 2017−February 2022
Taught courses in this position:
- History of World Theatre (Ancient and Medieval) [For First Year B.A. (Hons) 2018, 2019, 2020]
- Bangla Drama of Modern Age (Selective) [For Second Year B.A. (Hons) 2017]
- Film Studies [For Third Year B.A. (Hons) 2017, 2018, 2019 (ongoing)]
- Design Studies [For M.A. 2018 (ongoing)]
- Graphic Design [For M.A. 2018 (ongoing)]
- Photography and Publication [For M.A. 2016]
Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Drama and Dramatics
Period: January 2010−November 2017
In this position, I supervised and taught the following BA and MA courses (modules):
- Advertisement and Theatre [For Fourth Year, B.A. (Hons)]
- Radio and Television Production [For Fourth Year, B.A. (Hons)]
- Scene Design and properties - II [For Third Year, B.A. (Hons)]
- Scene Design and Properties-1 [For Second Year, B.A. (Hons)]
- Bangla Drama of Modern Age (Selective) [For Second Year, B.A. (Hons)]
- Stage and Lighting Design [For M.A]
Position: Lecturer, Department of Drama and Dramatics
Period: June 2006 − January 2010
Supervised and taught BA and MA courses (modules) were:
*Lighting and Set Design [For Third Year, B.A. (Hons)]
*Dramatic Theories [For Third Year, B.A. (Hons)]
*Make-up and Mask Making [For Second Year, B.A. (Hons)]
*History of World Drama [For First Year, B.A. (Hons)]
*Lighting Design and sound [For M.A. Students]
*Preparation for Performance [For First year, B.A. (Hons)]
Position: Producer, Program Department
Period: November 2005−May 2006
As an in-house producer in the Program Department of the channel One, I was mainly responsible to conceptualize and produce different entertaining programs. These programs included both the regular and special days' programs for the Channel.
Some selected programs’ directed and scripted by me are mentioned below including their available online links:
'Akar Ekar': a regular quiz and game show, based on Bangla language and culture, hosted by Adnan Faruque.
‘Alpa Shalpa Galpa’: a documentary type series, focused on unexplored but success stories of different people. Find below the links of the various episodes of the show:
Episode on Cinema banners painters; Episode on Amitabh Reza; Episode on a traveller called Yves Marre and his boat collection; Episode on Gazir Pat and Patua; Episode on an autistic boy and his world of creation.
‘Notuner Utsobe’: A special day program on the celebration of Bengali New Year.
Position: Senior Assistant Director
Period: September 2003−May 2005
I was fundamentally responsible for maintaining and setting up archives and documentation department for the organization. I conceptualized, directed and scripted several documentary films on visual art, painters, significant cultural events of Bangladesh.
Find bellow, the links and titles of a few documentary films, directed and scripted by me for the Bengal Foundation:
1. 'The Homecoming' (2008) a documentary on the life and work of painter Monirul Islam.
2. 'Nishorger Ankieya’ (2004) (Ode to Nature: Portrait of an Artist), a film on the life and work of painter Qayyum Chowdhury.
3. 'Shurer Shajan’, a documentary film on the life of eminent classical singer of Bangladesh, Nilufar Yasmeen.
4. 'Goroner Gohiney', a documentary film on the life and work of late sculptor Abdur Razzaq.
5. 'A French April in Dhaka’, a film on the works and the period of residency of three French artists in Dhaka in April 2004.
6. 'Shudurer Pathik', a documentary film on the life and work of painter Rokeya Sultana.
I also coordinated the project entitled, 'Development of Theatre in Bangladesh'. At the same time, I planned and managed events organized by the Bengal Foundation.
Position: Assistant Producer, Program Department
Period: June 1999−December 2002
I directed and scripted regular and special days' programs, promos and fillers. Some selective programs, directed and scripted by me at ETV are mentioned below:
1. ‘Kenkata’, a regular lifestyle program, focusded on fashion and shopping, hosted by Jaya Ahsan.
2. ‘Shabdo Jabdo’, a serial quiz and game show on Bangla language, hosted by Suborna Mustafa.
3. ‘Priotomashu’, a regular program, centred on women's issues and success stories, hosted by Tania Ahmed.
4. ‘Chirontony’, a show based on Bangladeshi old film songs, with the participation of celebrity and audience couples.
Position: Senior Program Organizer
Period: July 1998−June 1999
Part of my main job responsibilities were to conduct and co-ordinate different training sessions and workshops for the field workers of Proshika. In addition to this, I directed numerous people’s theater in the Area Development Centers of Proshika across Bangladesh. I also monitored the People’s Cultural Programs run by the local groups in various Area Development Centers of Proshika. I assisted in the activities relating to networking between the different local cultural platforms and Proshika's own Peoples’ Cultural Programs accross Bangladesh. At the same time, I conducted feasibility studies for the upcoming programs.
Activity
Position: Professor
Period: Current
Currently taught courses in the Department of Drama and Dramatics are:
- Film Studies [For Third Year, B.A. (Hons)]
- Design Studies [For M.A]
- Graphic Design [For M.A]
- Photography and Publication [For M.A]
- Mass Media Production Techniques [For M.Phil]
Position: Adjunct Faculty
Period: Spring Semester 2024; and Fall Semester, 2023
Taguth Courses: "From Media to New Media" (Spring 2024); "Film, Literature and Adaptation" (Fall 2023) for the MA Program.
Position: Executive Member (Elected)
Period: 2022; 2024
Position: Guest teacher
Period: 2019 (Examination held in 2021), 2020 (Examination held in 2022)
Taught course: "Literature and Film [For Second Year, B.A. (Hons)]".
Position: Adjunct Faculty
Period: Summer Semester, 2021; Spring Semester 2022
Teaching Playwriting Course for MA
Position: Adjunct Faculty
Period: Spring Semester, 2022
Taught course: Film and Television in Bangladesh, Course code: CMN 307-1
Contact
Dr. Fahmida Akhter
Professor
Department of Drama & Dramatics
Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.
Work Phone: PABX: 02224491045-51 (ext: 1315; 2511)
Email: fahmida.akhter@juniv.edu
