RAWALPINDI: There is no better medium than art to portray the culture of any country. Film is a tested weapon for social change, which should be used by students to establish a powerful identity in society.

This was highlighted by a speaker at the opening ceremony of the second edition of Naqsh Digital Film Festival, held at the new auditorium of Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU). The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan Television (PTV) Films, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Rime Digital, Directors Guilds of Pakistan and Cheezious, besides the university’s faculty and students.

Speaking at the event, the chief guest, UNFPA Pakistan representative Dr Luay Shabaneh said that film should be used by female students to establish a powerful identity in society. He also said that climate change is one of the major threats facing us and all segments of society including students need to play their part. Naqsh Digital Film Festival with specific themes on climate change will play an important role in highlighting such issues.

Member of Parliament and Secretary of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Dr Shahida Rahmani, while addressing the event, said that the country’s development is not possible without economic and social equality. Fatima Jinnah, Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan and Benazir Bhutto are torchbearers for women. This is the era of media and social media in which small films can play a huge role.

Speaking at the event, vice chancellor of the university Dr Saima Hamid said that such festivals are very important for two reasons.

They provide a platform to students to showcase their talents and also bring academia and professional circles closer. She said Naqsh Digital Film Festival will highlight women’s issues through themes like sexual violence, child marriage and women empowerment. Instead of focusing only on fame and fortune, students should work on areas that uncover real issues faced by society.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2023