Pakistani filmmaker nominated for Student Oscar

Shahnawaz is a director, cinematographer and writer studying at the Northwestern University

Pakistani student Shahnawaz Zali’s documentary, 100 Steps-Sau Qadam has been nominated as Best film in the Narrative category for the 43^rd Student Academy Awards.

The film, made in 2015, revolves around a young boy who is dragged into suicide bombings. Shahnawaz is a student director, cinematographer and writer studying at the Northwestern University in Qatar.

The 23-year-old director hails from Lahore and seems to be super excited about his film's nomination.

Dreams do come true. One step closer to Oscars!! My film nominated for student oscars!https://t.co/WlQwh6619u#RevivalOfPakistaniCinema

— Shahnawaz Zali (@szali17) August 2, 2016

Shahnawaz has won a number of accolades previously, including the Best Film award (for Muhammad) at the Qatar Media Awards 2014 and  Best Screenplay award (for 100 Steps) at the Qatar Media Awards 2015.

Here, watch the trailer of the film:



Academy Award winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy congratulated Shahnawaz on his achievement.

https://twitter.com/sharmeenochinoy/status/760384549171920918

Check out the complete list of nominees for the Student Academy Awards here. The ceremony will be held on the 22nd of September. Let's hope this young Pakistani brings an Oscar home.