UCP Film Festival became a platform for young filmmakers

 The UCP Film Festival has established itself as a vital platform for aspiring filmmakers in Pakistan offering opportunities to showcase their creativity and engage with industry experts.

 Organized by the University of Central Punjab by the Faculty of Media and Mass Communication (FMMC), this year’s festival brought together filmmakers, students and professionals to celebrate the art of storytelling.

Now in its fourth year, from December 19 to 20, 2024, the festival has grown significantly since it started in 2021. It was launched under the supervision of Dr Fawad Baig, Head of the Department of Media and Mass Communication, and supported by a dedicated team, including Mr Kamran Butt, Miss Momina Abrar Khan and Mr Nasir Ali Mazari.

Mr Syed Ali Mazhair who served as the team management head alongside Mustafa Imran. Together, their efforts have contributed to the festival’s evolution into a nationally recognized event.

This year, the festival received a total of 60 entries across three categories: Music Video, Documentary and Short Films. Submissions came from 14 universities, including international submissions from the UK and Iran. The diverse range of films reflected a variety of genres, themes, and cultural perspectives, providing a rich viewing experience for attendees.  

The Current also had the opportunity to speak with renowned writer and columnist Amna Mufti, who shared her vision for the festival and its role in nurturing emerging talent.

“I've seen some amazing films with great stories, direction, and production – everything was top-notch. The young filmmakers winning awards today will soon be seen at Cannes and the Oscars, and they will go even further," Amna Mufti said.

Prominent speakers such as senior TV producer Hafeez Tahir, and director, cinematographer Humza Yousaf led an insightful panel discussion. They addressed creative challenges in converting stories into screenplays, the evolving landscape of filmmaking, and the importance of mentoring new talent.

 The UCP Film Festival 2024 also celebrates outstanding achievements in filmmaking by presenting awards in various categories to the winner.

Documentaries

 Waiting across the borders - Shahnawaz Ahmed Khan (NCA)

Music Video

 Guroor - Abdul Rehman Shah (NCA)

 Short Film

 Pisho - Aun Ul Haider (Iqra University Karachi)  

The organizing team also included Mr Omer Saeed Qureshi, Mr Hamza Ayub, Miss Marium Idress, and Muhammad Shahid, who contributed significantly to the event’s management and execution.

By giving emerging filmmakers a platform to showcase their work, the festival has not only discovered new talent but also played a key role in shaping the country’s cinematic identity.

The UCP Film Festival is more than just a competition it’s a hub for collaboration and learning. Its inclusion of international films shows its growing reach, and its focus on providing opportunities for young filmmakers highlights its importance to Pakistan’s film industry.