The opening ceremony was held at Alhamra.
The Dekho Film Festival opened at Lahore Arts Council Alhamra, bringing together filmmakers, academics, students, and cultural practitioners.
The event immediately positioned itself as a significant platform for youth creativity, cinematic dialogue, and critical engagement with Pakistan’s evolving film landscape.
Organised jointly by Alhamra and the University of the Punjab’s Department of Film and Broadcasting, the festival aims to support emerging filmmakers.
The collaboration seeks to create meaningful links between academic research and practical filmmaking within Pakistan’s creative industries.
The opening ceremony was held at Alhamra on The Mall and attracted several respected figures from film, television, and cultural circles.
Veteran film director Syed Noor attended the event, lending historical perspective and professional credibility to the festival’s opening proceedings.
Punjab University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Ali Shah was also present, highlighting strong institutional backing for film education.
Filmmaker Rafiq Shehzad, playwright Amna Mufti, and senior producer Safdar Malik were among other notable attendees.
Welcoming participants, Dr Lubna Zaheer emphasised the importance of academic institutions supporting creative experimentation and thoughtful storytelling.
She acknowledged Alhamra Executive Director Muhammad Nawaz Gondal for facilitating opportunities that nurture young cinematic voices.
Dr Zaheer described the partnership as essential for strengthening dialogue between universities and Pakistan’s film and media industries.
During the ceremony, Syed Noor announced a cash prize intended to encourage excellence among future festival participants.
He stressed that young filmmakers require consistent motivation, mentorship, and platforms that value serious engagement with cinema.
Professor Dr Muhammad Ali Shah later confirmed the incentive would be formally introduced as the Syed Noor Award.
He praised the Department of Film and Broadcasting for its sustained efforts to promote film education and critical discussion.
Muhammad Nawaz Gondal stated that Alhamra remains committed to polishing young creative talent across artistic disciplines.
He added that initiatives like the Dekho Film Festival are crucial for ensuring a progressive and sustainable cinematic future.
The first festival day featured musical performances alongside a session exploring the historical evolution of Pakistani cinema.
Selected short film screenings followed, offering audiences diverse narratives and stylistic experimentation.
A panel discussion titled Pakistani Cinema examined industry challenges, creative responsibilities, and future possibilities.
Syed Noor, Rafiq Shehzad, Amna Mufti, and Kanwal Khosat shared insights during the session.
The discussion was moderated by media professional Fareeha Idrees, who guided the conversation on cinematic evolution.
More than 150 films were submitted for competition, reflecting strong interest among emerging creators.
Thirty films were selected for screening across two days, alongside documentaries and music videos.
The second day included a screenwriting workshop conducted by Faseeh Bari Khan at Alhamra.
An acting workshop led by Iftikhar Ahmed Usmani focused on practical performance techniques and professional development.
Screenings continued throughout the day, followed by a moderated session led by Maisam Abbas and Sania Ishaq.
The closing ceremony was attended by Chairman Lahore Arts Council Razi Ahmed and Discover Pakistan CEO Dr Qaiser Rafiq.
The festival concluded with a Mushaira presided over by Farhat Abbas Shah and hosted by Ahmed Hamad.
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