LAHORE  –  A two-day Dekho Film Festival commenced at Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, The Mall, with a focus on cinema, youth creativity and cultural discourse, here on Wednesday.

The festival is organised jointly by Alhamra and the Department of Film and Broadcasting, University of the Punjab. The opening ceremony was attended by film director Syed Noor, Vice Chancellor Punjab University Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah, filmmaker Rafiq Shehzad, playwright Amna Mufti, senior producer Safdar Malik and other distinguished guests. Lubna Zaheer from the Department of Film and Broadcasting welcomed the participants and acknowledged the support of Alhamra Executive Director Muhammad Nawaz Gondal in making the festival possible. Veteran filmmaker Syed Noor announced a cash award of Rs200,000 for a future participant who secures a prominent position at the festival, underlining the importance of nurturing young talent and promoting academic engagement in film studies. Alhamra Executive Director Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said the festival would provide a platform to polish and promote young creatives, reinforcing Alhamra’s commitment to Pakistan’s cinematic future. PU Vice Chancellor Punjab Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah said the award would be named the “Syed Noor Award” and lauded Dr Lubna Zaheer and her team for their dedication. Playwright Amna Mufti advised young creatives to uphold truth in their work, while Chairman Pakistan Film Producers Association Rafiq Shehzad said investment in youth is investment in the nation’s future. The first day of the festival featured music performances and a special session on the history of Pakistani cinema, tracing its journey from 1948’s Teri Yaad through the golden era of the 1960s and 1970s to its current revival. Over 150 films were submitted for the competitive segment, with 30 selected for screening. Screenings will continue on the second day, followed by a Mushaira, blending cinema, literature and culture.