Young filmmakers present work at 60-Second Film Festival

Islamabad

Film enthusiasts Wednesday gathered in Islamabad for the fourth annual 60 Second International Film Festival.  Sponsored by the US Embassy, the event featured filmmaking and photography workshops, a panel discussion on social change and filmmaking, and film screenings, says a press release. 

The festival was established in 2012 to provide young filmmakers from around the world a platform to present their ideas to diverse audiences and raise awareness of various social issues.  "The 60 Second International Film Festival is more than just a festival," said Festival Director, Abrarul Hassan. "It is a union of art and media from all around the globe with the purpose of inspiring."

Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at US Embassy Islamabad, Jeffrey Sexton, spoke at the festival's evening session, which highlighted films like 'Toofani Kiddo' by Ramaisa Shahid from Pakistan, 'Vision' by Farzad Samimi and Vahid Omidi from Afghanistan, and 'Shaitan' by Sourabh Bali from India.

"Films entertain us, they inspire us, they move us, and they show us sights we might otherwise never see in our lifetimes," Sexton said.  "Through the medium of film, filmmakers can raise awareness of social issues, call attention to the struggles of everyday people, challenge assumptions, highlight critical new ways of thinking, and most importantly, spark dialogue." 

The festival also encouraged children's creativity through workshops and screenings of films created by children, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, about the environment.   The festival will travel to other Pakistani cities in the coming weeks.