The Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, in collaboration with the Department of Film, University of the Punjab, is all set to formally inaugurate the two-day “Dekho Film Festival” on Wednesday, January 14. Envisioned as a dynamic and meaningful cultural initiative, the festival aims to provide an impactful platform for young filmmakers, students, researchers and individuals associated with the fine arts to engage in creative expression, learning and thoughtful dialogue.
The festival’s inaugural ceremony will take place at 10am, featuring a distinguished lineup of eminent personalities as chief guests. These include Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali; renowned Pakistani film director Syed Noor; acclaimed filmmaker Shehzad Rafiq; celebrated film star Meera; prominent playwright Amna Mufti and Executive Director, Alhamra, Muhammad Nawaz Gondal. Their presence reflects the festival’s significance and its strong academic, cinematic and cultural foundations.
On the first day of the festival, following the screening of short films, a special panel discussion titled “Pakistani Cinema” will be held. The panel will feature Syed Noor, Shehzad Rafiq, Amna Mufti and Kanwal Khosat and will be moderated by renowned media professional Fareeha Idrees. The discussion will offer a comprehensive and purposeful discourse on the evolution of Pakistani cinema, the challenges it faces and the opportunities that lie ahead, providing valuable insights for emerging filmmakers and enthusiasts.
Other highlights of the first day include screenings of short films, documentaries, and music videos, presenting a diverse and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The second day of the festival will commence at 10am with a special screenwriting workshop, where acclaimed screenwriter Faseeh Bari Khan will provide participants with practical training in storytelling and script development, sharing his professional expertise and creative insights.
Simultaneously, a parallel acting workshop will be held at Alhamra Hall No. 3, where noted actor Iftikhar Ahmed Usmani will guide participants through the nuances and finer techniques of acting, offering hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring performers.
Screenings of short films, documentaries, and music videos will continue as a key component of the festival on the second day as well. Before the closing ceremony, a special session will be conducted, moderated by Maisam Abbas and Sania Ishaq. The closing ceremony will feature Chairman of the Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra Razi Ahmed, as the chief guest, alongside CEO of Discover Pakistan, Dr Qaiser Rafiq and other distinguished guests. At the conclusion of the festival, a grand Mushaira will be organised to celebrate the promotion of literature and culture. The Mushaira will be presided over by renowned poet Farhat Abbas Shah, hosted by Ahmed Hamad. It will feature selected poetry recitations by eminent poets, including Ali Zaryoun, Wajid Ameer and Sofia Baidar, as well as other distinguished poets.
Executive Director Alhamra Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said, “Dekho Film Festival reflects Alhamra’s commitment to nurturing thoughtful cinema, empowering young talent and strengthening cultural dialogue through the art of film.”
The “Dekho Film Festival” stands as a serious and purposeful endeavour to highlight creative potential through a harmonious blend of film, literature and culture. It is expected to not only provide guidance and inspiration to young artists but also offer audiences a memorable, enriching and deeply impactful cultural experience, further reinforcing Alhamra’s role as a leading center for artistic excellence and creative dialogue.