Zero mm Youth Film Festival South Asia Successfully Held in Lahore
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Loading... - Ayush Gupta
- 13 Jun 2023
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The vibrant city of Lahore played host to the second edition of the Zero mm Youth Film Festival South Asia, a remarkable event organized by The Little Art at the esteemed Aangun - Centre for Learning & Culture. This festival showcased a diverse selection of 18 outstanding films from countries such as Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. These films explored a wide range of compelling themes relevant to youth and South Asia. With nearly 650 submissions received, only the finest films were chosen to be screened at the festival.
Zero mm is an internationally acclaimed film festival dedicated to presenting thought-provoking films that delve into various aspects of youth and South Asian culture. The festival's primary objective is to serve as a springboard for budding filmmakers in South Asia, providing them with an audience that fosters meaningful dialogues through the medium of cinema. It envisions the growth of an international community of youth filmmakers, fostering a deeper understanding of South Asian identity, and inspiring a new generation of talented individuals passionate about filmmaking.
The Festival received tremendous support this year from the Pak-US Alumni Network, given that the Festival Director, Shoaib Iqbal, is a US Alumni member and actively involved in the network's activities in Pakistan. The Pak-US Alumni Network functions as a facilitator, bringing together like-minded individuals to collaborate on innovative projects that contribute to the welfare of the Pakistani people.
The Festival commenced with an inauguration ceremony graced by Karl Rogers, the Public Diplomacy Officer of the US Consulate Lahore, who attended as the esteemed chief guest. In his address, he expressed his delight at being part of this wonderful event. The Festival provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent and offered the audience an opportunity to engage in insightful discussions about the stories portrayed in the films and the art form itself. He commended the PUAN (Pak-US Alumni Network) for organizing such events that promote dialogue and collaboration.
Shoaib Iqbal, the Director of The Little Art, shared his vision for the festival, stating, "Four years ago, we created Zero mm as a platform to present shared stories through films crafted by emerging filmmakers. The festival aims to support films that are often overlooked, fostering empathy and tolerance through cross-cultural dialogue within the South Asian region."
With its dedication to nurturing an international community of youth filmmakers, engaging diverse audiences, and inspiring a new generation, the Zero mm Youth Film Festival South Asia continues to make a profound impact on the world of cinema.
