By Cultural Reporter
LAHORE, Jan 15: The Lahore Arts Council Alhamra concluded the two-day “Dekho Film Festival” with historic moments, resounding impact, and an enduring cultural imprint, firmly positioning the festival as a landmark event in Pakistan’s cinematic and creative landscape. Organized in collaboration with the Department of Film and Broadcasting at the University of the Punjab, the festival emerged as a powerful celebration of film as vision, voice, and national strength.
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The grand closing ceremony was attended by a distinguished constellation of personalities, including celebrated actress Sonia Hussain, legendary film director Syed Noor, senior producer Safdar Malik, Vice Chancellor Punjab University Dr. Muhammad Ali, Acting Chairman PEMRA Sikandar Rasheed, renowned film director Shehzad Rafiq, eminent playwright Amna Mufti, acclaimed actor Iftikhar Ahmed Usmani, and iconic comedian Honey Albela, among others. Their presence underscored the festival’s stature and its growing influence within the creative community.
Addressing the gathering, Sonia Hussain delivered a deeply inspiring message, urging young creatives to dare to dream and believe in the realization of those dreams. She emphasized that film is not merely an art form but a powerful force capable of shaping narratives, identities, and nations, stating that nations rise through their identity and cultural confidence.
Wajeeh-ul-Hassan won the competitive segment of the festival from the Department of Film and Broadcasting, Punjab University. Chairperson Dr. Lubna Zaheer congratulated all young participants who secured prominent positions and praised their creativity, discipline, and passion. She shared that the festival received hundreds of film entries from across Pakistan, out of which 30 outstanding films were carefully selected, reflecting both diversity and quality.
A memorable moment of the closing ceremony was when the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University stepped down from the stage to personally present a shield to the senior producer, Safdar Malik, in recognition of his exceptional services to Pakistani cinema. All chief guests also addressed the audience, sharing insights, encouragement, and appreciation for the emerging generation.
In his address, Dr. Qaiser Rafiq urged participants to present Pakistan’s positive, beautiful, and authentic image to the world, emphasizing that showcasing the country’s true face through film and storytelling is a shared national responsibility.
Throughout the two days, a large number of young participants engaged directly with renowned actors, filmmakers, directors, and producers. These interactive exchanges provided invaluable learning opportunities, practical exposure, and inspiration for the new generation. Adding further excitement, legendary filmmaker Syed Noor announced the selection of one male and one female participant from the festival to be cast in his upcoming film, electrifying young filmmakers and performers alike.
Special souvenirs were presented to all chief guests in recognition of their contributions and participation. Earlier, the festival also featured intensive acting and scriptwriting workshops, enriching the event’s educational dimension. Notably, on the first day, celebrated singer Arif Lohar, renowned musician Jawad Ahmed, and prominent playwright Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar also interacted with the youth, sharing their journeys and creative philosophies.
Executive Director Alhamra Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said, “The Dekho Film Festival reflects Alhamra’s vision to empower young creatives and position cinema as a force of thought, identity, and national pride. Alhamra will continue to provide meaningful platforms where talent meets opportunity and culture finds its strongest voice.”
The successful conclusion of the Dekho Film Festival powerfully highlighted Alhamra’s central role as a guardian of culture, a nurturer of young talent, and a leading national platform for artistic dialogue. By seamlessly blending cinema, learning, interaction, and inspiration, Alhamra once again reaffirmed its commitment to shaping the future of Pakistani arts and culture.
