KARACHI: Defying all chaos and negativity that engulfs our society, something positive and unique happened on Thursday, when Pakistan’s 1st International Film Festival was announced, scheduled to take place from March 29 to April 1, this year. The announcement was made by the Karachi Film Society, in a press conference where eminent members of the media and the press were invited. The Pakistan International Film Festival is an ambitious project by the KFS to make the country’s film industry at par with international standards. PIFF aims to introduce Pakistan’s film industry to international markets and hopes to encourage local filmmakers to showcase their work not just to the local but international audience as well. Special panel discussions on women’s role in film and TV and seminars on the Pakistani film industry will also be an integral part of PIFF The festival will be held under the patronage of Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah along with the support of the entire Sindh government. This is not the first time that KFS has initiated a cultural project. Hum Network will be the official media partners of the film festival. The festival will comprise film premieres and special screenings in the categories of feature length films, documentaries and short films. Overseas delegates of filmmakers, artistes and professionals of the film industry from abroad are invited along with many renowned names to grace the event. Young aspiring filmmakers will also be able to benefit from the event as another important aspect of this festival will be to hold workshops for them where they can learn the craft from senior and experienced directors and producers. The festival will comprise film premieres and special screenings in the categories of feature length films, documentaries and short films. Overseas delegations of filmmakers, artistes and professionals associated with the industry are also invited to the event Special panel discussions on women’s role in film and TV and seminars on the Pakistani film industry will also be an integral part of PIFF. KFS President Sultana Siddiqui, who was present at the conference, said, while addressing the audience, “The Karachi Film Society is a great initiative by the most committed and accomplished members of our society, and I am very proud to be part of such a dedicated team. This festival will definitely create opportunities for new filmmakers to showcase their work to enthusiastic viewers and professionals across the globe. I hope that this collective effort will grow in the years to come.” The KFS is basically an NGO established by the most accomplished people in their respective fields like Dr Ishrat Husain, Ameena Saiyid, Javed Jabbar, Sirajuddin Aziz, Jamil Baig, Ronak Lakhani, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Sayeeda Leghari along with Sultana Siddiqui herself. Published in Daily Times, January 13th 2018.