Dekho Film Fest puts young voices in spotlight

The two-day Dekho Film Festival opened at the Lahore Arts Council Alhamra on Wednesday, bringing together filmmakers, academics, students and cultural practitioners for a wide-ranging engagement with cinema, youth creativity and the evolving discourse around Pakistan's film industry.

Organised jointly by Alhamra and the Department of Film and Broadcasting at the University of the Punjab, the festival aims to provide a dedicated platform for emerging filmmakers and researchers to showcase work, exchange ideas and critically engage with cinematic traditions and contemporary challenges.

The opening ceremony, held at Alhamra on The Mall, was attended by prominent figures including veteran film director Syed Noor, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Ali Shah, filmmaker Rafiq Shehzad, playwright Amna Mufti, senior producer Safdar Malik and other distinguished guests from the cultural and academic spheres.

Welcoming participants, Dr Lubna Zaheer of the Department of Film and Broadcasting acknowledged the institutional support extended by Alhamra Executive Director Muhammad Nawaz Gondal, describing the collaboration as vital for nurturing young talent and strengthening links between academia and the creative industries.

During the ceremony, Syed Noor announced a cash award of Rs200,000 for a future festival participant who secures a prominent position, stressing the importance of sustained encouragement for young filmmakers and deeper academic engagement with film studies.

Punjab University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Ali Shah said the award would be instituted as the 'Syed Noor Award', while commending Dr Lubna Zaheer and her team for their consistent efforts in promoting film education and meaningful cinematic dialogue.

Alhamra Executive Director Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said the Dekho Film Festival reflected Alhamra's long-standing commitment to polishing and promoting young creatives, adding that such initiatives were essential for ensuring a viable and forward-looking future for Pakistani cinema.

Playwright Amna Mufti advised young creatives to remain truthful and socially conscious in their work, while Chairman Pakistan Film Producers Association Rafiq Shehzad said investing in youth was, ultimately, an investment in the country's cultural and creative future.

The first day of the festival featured music performances and a special session on the history of Pakistani cinema, tracing its journey from 1948's 'Teri Yaad', through the golden decades of the 1960s and 1970s, to the industry's gradual revival.

A panel discussion titled 'Pakistani Cinema' followed screenings of selected short films, with Syed Noor, Rafiq Shehzad, Amna Mufti and Kanwal Khosat sharing insights on evolution, challenges and future prospects, moderated by media professional Fareeha Idrees.

More than 150 films were submitted for the competitive segment, with 30 selected for screening across the two days. The programme also includes documentaries and music videos, offering audiences a diverse and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

The second day will feature a screenwriting workshop by Faseeh Bari Khan, alongside an acting workshop at Alhamra Hall No 3 conducted by actor Iftikhar Ahmed Usmani, focusing on practical techniques and professional development.

Screenings will continue throughout the day, followed by a special session moderated by Maisam Abbas and Sania Ishaq, before the closing ceremony attended by Chairman Lahore Arts Council Razi Ahmed and CEO Discover Pakistan Dr Qaiser Rafiq.

The festival will conclude with a grand Mushaira, presided over by poet Farhat Abbas Shah and hosted by Ahmed Hamad, blending cinema, literature and cultural harmony through poetry by leading contemporary voices.