LAHORE, January 14: The two-day “Dekho Film Festival” began with great enthusiasm and grandeur at the Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, the Mall. Organized jointly by Alhamra and the Department of Film and Broadcasting at the University of the Punjab, the festival is a vibrant celebration of cinema, youth creativity, and meaningful cultural discourse.
Read also: Alhamra hosts Germany’s Eve Klesse Quartet in captivating jazz performance
The opening ceremony was attended by eminent personalities, including legendary film director Syed Noor, Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, renowned film director Rafiq Shehzad, acclaimed playwright Amna Mufti, senior producer Safdar Malik, and other distinguished guests. In her opening remarks, Lubna Zaheer from the Department of Film and Broadcasting, University of the Punjab, welcomed the guests and warmly acknowledged the wholehearted support and cooperation of the Executive Director, Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, Muhammad Nawaz Gondal, in making the festival possible.
Speaking on the occasion, veteran filmmaker Syed Noor announced his full support for emerging talent. He declared a cash award of PKR 200,000 for the future participant who secured a prominent position at the festival. He emphasized that such festivals are essential for nurturing the younger generation and reiterated the importance of academic engagement with film studies at the university level.
Sharing his views, Executive Director Alhamra Muhammad Nawaz Gondal stated that the festival would serve as a strong foundation for polishing and promoting young talent, reinforcing Alhamra’s commitment to empowering young creatives and strengthening Pakistan’s cinematic future.
Vice Chancellor of Punjab University Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah appreciated Syed Noor’s initiative and announced that the award would be named the “Syed Noor Award.” He highlighted the need for such constructive efforts and praised Dr. Lubna Zaheer and her entire team for their dedication and vision.
Renowned playwright Amna Mufti advised young creatives to always stand by truth, stating that writing carries a timeless impact and leaves impressions that resonate across generations. Chairman of the Pakistan Film Producers Association and prominent film director Rafiq Shehzad remarked that investing in the youth is, in fact, an investment in the nation’s future.
On the first day of the festival, music performances and a special session on Pakistani Cinema were also held, where participants were informed about the historical journey of the national film industry. The session highlighted that Pakistani cinema began its journey in 1948 with “Teri Yaad,” reached its golden era in the 1960s and 1970s, and is now entering a new phase, marked by fresh narratives and renewed creative energy.
Film screenings on the first day drew a large audience and received an encouraging response. It was shared that more than 150 films were submitted for the festival’s competitive segment, of which 30 were selected for screening. Film screenings will continue on the festival’s second and concluding day, followed by a Mushaira, further enriching the event with a blend of cinema, literature, and culture.
The vibrant opening of the Dekho Film Festival at Alhamra stands as a powerful testament to the institution’s role as a leading cultural platform, fostering creativity, dialogue, and the future of Pakistani cinema.
