LAHORE   –  The Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, in collaboration with the Department of Film, University of the Punjab, will formally inaugurate the two-day “Dekho Film Festival” today (January 14) at Alhamra. The festival is aimed at providing a vibrant platform for young filmmakers, students, researchers, and professionals associated with fine arts to showcase creative talent and engage in meaningful cinematic discourse. The opening ceremony will be held at 10:00 am and will be attended by a distinguished panel of chief guests, including Vice Chancellor University of the Punjab Professor Dr Muhammad Ali, renowned film director Syed Noor, acclaimed filmmaker Shehzad Rafiq, celebrated film star Meera, prominent playwright Amna Mufti, and Executive Director Alhamra Muhammad Nawaz Gondal. 

On the first day, following the screening of selected short films, a special panel discussion titled “Pakistani Cinema” will be held. The panel will feature Syed Noor, Shehzad Rafiq, Amna Mufti, and Kanwal Khosat, while renowned media professional Fareeha Idrees will moderate the session. The discussion will focus on the evolution of Pakistani cinema, contemporary challenges, and future prospects, offering valuable insights to emerging filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts. Other activities on the opening day include screenings of short films, documentaries, and music videos, providing audiences with a diverse and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

The second day of the festival will begin at 10:00 am with a special screenwriting workshop conducted by acclaimed writer Faseeh Bari Khan, who will share practical guidance on storytelling and script development. Simultaneously, an acting workshop will be held at Alhamra Hall No. 3, where noted actor Iftikhar Ahmed Usmani will offer hands-on training and insights into professional acting techniques.

Screenings of short films, documentaries, and music videos will continue throughout the second day as well. Prior to the closing ceremony, a special session will be held under the moderation of Maisam Abbas and Sania Ishaq. The closing ceremony will be attended by Chairman Lahore Arts Council Alhamra Razi Ahmed as chief guest, along with CEO Discover Pakistan Dr Qaiser Rafiq and other distinguished guests. A grand Mushaira will conclude the festival, celebrating literature and cultural harmony. The Mushaira will be presided over by renowned poet Farhat Abbas Shah and hosted by Ahmed Hamad, with poetry recitations by eminent poets including Ali Zaryoun, Wajid Ameer, and Sofia Baidar, among others. Alhamra Executive Director Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said that the Dekho Film Festival reflects Alhamra’s commitment to promoting meaningful cinema, empowering young creative talent, and strengthening cultural dialogue through film.