In the second week of January, the historic Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore transformed into a vibrant hub for the next generation of Pakistani storytellers. The “Dekho Film Festival,” a collaborative initiative between the Punjab University Department of Film and Broadcasting and Alhamra, officially kicked off to showcase the creative output of Pakistan’s emerging filmmakers.
A Platform for New Visions
Inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali, the festival marks a milestone for Punjab University’s film department, as its first graduating batch of BS students prepares to enter the industry. The event was a high-energy mix of screenings, intense panel discussions, and soul-stirring musical performances that captured the “soft image” of Pakistan through art and culture.
The festival featured a diverse array of student-produced documentaries, short films, and music videos. These projects weren’t just academic exercises; they were treated as professional entries in a nationwide competition. To underscore the importance of the industry’s future, legendary director Syed Noor announced a generous prize of PKR 100,000 for the winning filmmaker, doubling the initial prize pool offered by the university.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
Beyond the competition, “Dekho” served as a crucial networking ground. Industry titans like writer Amna Mufti and director Shahzad Rafiq attended to mentor the students, bridging the gap between classroom theory and the gritty reality of film sets. The festival organizers emphasized that in an era of digital democratization, young filmmakers no longer need to wait for traditional gatekeepers; they have the power to build a “New Wave” of Pakistani cinema via global internet platforms.
PEMRA participated in the Dekho Film Festival, organised by the Department of Film & Broadcasting, University of the Punjab, at Alhamra Arts Council. With the theme ‘Narratives Beyond Borders’, the festival celebrated creative expression, independent film making, and diverse… pic.twitter.com/ZHxBGRu29F
— Report PEMRA (@reportpemra) January 16, 2026
As student singers like Fursat Hussain and Areeba Liaquat enthralled the audience with classical and folk melodies, the message of the day was clear: the future of the Pakistani brand lies in the intersection of tradition and tech-savvy storytelling. With professional-grade production values and a fresh perspective on local narratives, the “Dekho” filmmakers are proving that Pakistan’s cinematic revival is in very capable hands.
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