ISLAMABAD: The short film competition concluded at the British High Commission on Monday following the distribution of awards by Acting British High Commissioner Alison Blake, who was also the chief guest of the occasion.

High profile filmmakers, media enthusiasts, artists and diplomats from all over the country attended the ceremony to view the screening of the five shortlisted entries.

The five films had been selected by a panel of judges consisting of renowned media personalities including veteran actor and chairperson of Hunerkada College of Visual and Performing Arts, Jamal Shah and BBC News Pakistan Correspondent Aleem Maqbool.

The competition was organised by the British High Commission which invited aspiring filmmakers from across Pakistan to interpret the theme of “Celebrating Connections between the UK and Pakistan.”

Entries were received not only from Pakistan’s main metropolises, but also from cities including Haripur, Jacobabad, Jamshoro, Kotri, Muzaffarabad andFaisalabad.

On Monday, the five shortlisted films were screened after which the results were announced.

Our Jacob, which focused on the background of developing Jacobabad City during the British rule in the subcontinent, won the first prize. Similarly, Fusion, which highlighted the construction of Faisalabad on the pattern of the British flag, won the second prize.

The Bridge, The Only Courage and Beef Burger followed by securing the third fourth and fifth prize respectively.

Congratulating the winners for their hard work and highlighting the re-emergence of Pakistani cinema, Alison Blake said: “I am delighted to host this award ceremony. This event celebrates the connections which tie the UK and Pakistan together and highlights the budding talent of up and coming young Pakistani filmmakers.”

She said she had thoroughly enjoyed watching the interpretations of these filmmakers regarding the event’s theme.

“As this evening’s screenings have shown, Britons’ and Pakistanis’ lives are connected through travel and trade, family and culture, history and food, and beyond,” she added.

While addressing the participants, she said the overwhelming response received for the competition was another indicator of the strong resurgence of interest in Pakistani film.

“My colleagues and I wish the finalists all the very best in achieving their dreams in the film industry,” the acting high commissioner added.

“We look forward to seeing future films like Zinda Bhaag shortlisted for the Best Foreign Language category at the Oscars. More Pakistani film makers should join Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy in winning an Oscar for Pakistan,” she added.