To present women in a respectful way and improve their role in the cinema and in the media: these were the pleas that emerged during the International Conference on Women in the Cinema, held during the 13th Dhaka International Film Festival (10-18 January 2014).
This year’s Festival revolved around the theme Better Films, Better Audiences and Better Society. The program included a total of 180 films, with a special competition section for Asian and Australian films. Among the various initiatives on the program was a press conference dedicated to women who work both before and behind the cameras. Strong criticism was expressed for the Hollywood and Bollywood portrayals of women as sex symbols.