Karachi: Ziauddin University’s College of Media Sciences (ZCOMS) organised its Film Festival ‘NAZARIYA’, an attempt to empower youth voices and challenge social norms.

In this intercollege competition, prospective filmmakers were encouraged to use music videos, documentaries and short films to convey their distinct viewpoints.

NAZARIYA 2024 aimed to give students and aspiring filmmakers from all around Pakistan stage on which to present their distinct viewpoints in films and documentaries.  Addressing film festival as chief guest Ahmed Shah caretaker Minister for Information, President of Arts Council Karachi acknowledged “Nazariya can be daunting term for youngsters.”

He highlighted societal pressures often veiled as Nazariya, urging participants to break free and find their own narratives. He emphasised film industry’s reality, stating that while financial gain might be minimal, opportunity to unleash creative potential was boundless.

He pointed out that every film showcased at prestigious festivals like Oscars carries unique story, be it personal, local, or national and that is why youngsters should be focused and should not be afraid to show their ideas in form of films, music videos and documentaries.

Guest of Honour Sultana Siddiqui lauded films and documentaries as powerful tools for expressing ideas and connecting with global audience. Recognising young filmmakers’ talent, she extended an invitation to her own film festival, promising to showcase top three Nazariya entries.

She offered invaluable support, pledging internships, mentorship and guidance to interested students. Inayatullah Khan Babar Vice Chancellor of Ziauddin University echoed this sentiment, praising ZCOMS and its students for creating this platform.

He envisioned Nazariya blossoming into major cinematic event, with ZCOMS graduates one day gracing international film festivals. Encouraging media students, he declared, “Keep pushing boundaries, keep telling your stories never underestimate power of your voice.”

Award winners of film festival were Misrah Fatima Nizami’s Cinerama won Best Direction, Best Sound Design, Best Art Direction and even Best Film at most recent awards ceremony. Sapna Zamir’s Azam-e-Kuhaan won Best Documentary award as well as an award for Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography.

Abba by Uzair Surhio, which starred amazing performance of Rana Kaazmi won an award for Best Acting. On other hand, Road Army, directed by Faizan Shoro and Vishal Kodwani won Best Editing prize for their outstanding editing.

More than 50 submissions from different universities were received by festival, and these were carefully examined by prestigious panel of industry professionals that includedMurtaza Chaudary,  Ali Sohail Jaura, Rana Kamran, Bilal Yousufzai and Namsa Abbasi.

Earlier Dr. Shehla Najib Siddiqui Dean of Faculty of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences remarked, “Today, we embark on journey through lens of imagination, creativity and storytelling.”

She proudly shared that ZCOMS had received over 50 nominations from across Pakistan, anticipating even greater participation in future. Event concluded with fascinating performance by renowned performer Sheema Kermani’s captivating dance.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 01 2024

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