Pakistan Shines:

Pakistani students shine bright at Indian universityWhen students from Pakistan win recognition at a film and photography festival in India, it should be taken both as a sign of the promising talent harboured in the country and as proof that collaboration between the countries is possible. Are the hawks listening?

Times are changing towards peace and cultural exchange is being encouraged on both sides of the border. Recently, Pakistani students won first and second prizes in an International Students' Photography competition organised in India. The photography competition titled 'Frame Politik' was part of the 3rd Edition of the International Students' Film Festival. Titled 'Mise-en-Scene', it was organized by Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi University, Delhi from 5th to 7th Feb, 2007. This was the first time that Pakistan had participated in this festival.


The photography competition was divided into two categories. One was 'Curves' and the other 'A Moment in Time'. M. Asad Iqbal of Multan College of Arts (B.Z.U)_and Raheel Lakhani of Al-Hamd Academy, Karachi won the first and the second prize respectively in the category 'Curves'. Their photographs titled 'The Bond' and 'Aur Zindagi Badalti Hai' were highly appreciated by the judges.The Festival saw participation from 11 universities and colleges around the world, which included Pakistan, America, London, Australia, Czech Republic, Portugal and Switzerland.


Besides winning the photography competition, Pakistan also made its mark in the film competition. Hidden Transparency directed by Atta Muhammad of Jacobabad and Woe directed by Syed Kazim Abidi of Karachi Cantt were also screened in the film festival. The audience praised the films, though they weren't able to get into top three.Participation from Pakistan in a students' film festival in India has opened new channels of communication between the two countries. Although the participants were themselves not present in the festival, the accolades and praise they received will surely leave a long lasting impression in their hearts. Such cultural exchanges will definitely encourage others to follow the route.