Headline: Second Naqsh Digital Film Festival Culminates with Grand Prize Distribution Ceremony
Rawalpindi (P-R) - The final prize distribution ceremony of Pakistan's pioneering Naqsh Digital Film Festival, organized in collaboration with the Department of Communication and Media Studies of Fatima Jinnah Women's University and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), unfolded in grandeur at Serena Hotel. The event featured short films and documentaries made by students and emerging filmmakers.
Distinguished luminaries from Pakistani media industry graced this occasion. The luminaries included renowned actors, accomplished film producers, talented cameramen, visionary directors, and distinguished representatives of advertising agencies. Among the notable personalities in attendance were Shehzad Nawaz, Noorul Hasan, Ahmar Sohail Basra, Sajjad Gul Saaji, Parvez Akhtar, Hajara Yamin, Ejaz Gul, Nargis Hashmi, and Aqeel Shah.
PTV Films served as the media partner, while Cheezious, the food partner, provided valuable support to enhance the festival.
The event's chief guest was Murtaza Solangi, the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting.
The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of the competition's triumphant artists. Addressing the audience, Chief Guest Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, emphasized the profound impact of films as moral educators. He likened films to caring parents, imparting ethical wisdom to their audiences. Minister Solangi acknowledged the multitude of challenges faced by Pakistan and underscored the necessity for collective efforts to overcome them. He also commended the university's initiative and expressed hope for the continuation of similar programs in the future.
The event also enjoyed the presence of Dr. Luay Shabaneh, Country Head UNFPA, Pakistan. He emphasized the pivotal importance of women's education and expressed his delight at the festival being orchestrated by Fatima Jinnah Women's University, an institution dedicated to women's empowerment. He further applauded the progress of Pakistani women in the field of filmmaking and various other domains.
Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the festival's sponsors. Dr. Hameed underscored the pivotal role of media in the contemporary era, amplifying its significance through the delivery of high-quality content to viewers. She further stressed the festival's mission to educate children in creating content that entertains while upholding ethical values.
Mr. Muhammad Ali, Director of the Naqsh Digital Film Festival and Head of the Department of Communication and Media Studies at Fatima Jinnah Women University, highlighted the department's visionary pursuit to provide a comprehensive platform for students. This platform allows them to gain hands-on experience across various facets of production, essential for nurturing skilled professionals for the dynamic media industry. Mr. Ali also announced the launch of a 4-year Bachelor's Film Production degree from the Department of Communication and Media Studies, a significant milestone for aspiring filmmakers. He asserted the instrumental role such festivals play in augmenting the exposure and expertise of Fatima Jinnah Women's University students. He concluded by stating the department's commitment to organizing this event on an annual basis and expressed gratitude to the dedicated faculty and team members for their instrumental role in the festival's success. He extended special thanks to the Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Women University, for her unwavering support and guidance.
In closing, Mr. Ali extended heartfelt congratulations to the winners of NDFF 2023, the esteemed jury, eminent media personalities, and Vice Chancellor, thanking them for their invaluable patronage in making this festival a resounding success.
