Jeddah – Pakistan made a striking impression at the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF), where a dedicated panel featuring actor-director Shehzad Nawaz, veteran actress Atiqa Odho and entrepreneur Nosheen Ahmed Wasim invited international filmmakers — particularly from Saudi Arabia — to collaborate on powerful cross-cultural storytelling. The session, titled “Your next story starts here,” highlighted Pakistan’s readiness to open its cinematic landscape to the world.
Jeddah – Addressing the global audience, Shehzad Nawaz underscored Pakistan’s “5,000-year-old history,” stressing that if Pakistan does not tell its own stories, “someone else would do it for you.” He pointed out how foreign filmmakers often depict Pakistan from an outsider’s perspective — a narrative gap that local creators now aim to reclaim. Nawaz emphasized that digital platforms and OTT services have transformed viewer habits, with Pakistani audiences showing increasing interest in homegrown stories.
Jeddah – Nawaz noted that with nearly 65% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, the demand for fresh, authentic and globally competitive content is rising rapidly. This growing appetite, he said, creates an ideal environment for international collaborations that can elevate Pakistani narratives to worldwide audiences.
Jeddah – Speaking about evolving social narratives, Atiqa Odho highlighted the shared cultural shifts between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, especially around women’s empowerment. She mentioned how observing a woman driving in Saudi Arabia marked a symbolic transformation — one that can be explored through collaborative filmmaking to build relatable and emotionally resonant stories.
Jeddah – The panel also stressed that language is no longer a barrier in global cinema. With dubbing and subtitles becoming standard practice, films in Urdu, Arabic or any local language can travel across continents while preserving cultural identity. This global accessibility offers Pakistani filmmakers a unique opportunity to present their stories on the world stage without compromise.
Jeddah – Concluding the session, the panel reaffirmed that Pakistan stands on the brink of a new cinematic chapter — one shaped by creativity, global partnerships and a strong desire to reshape how Pakistani stories are told and perceived internationally.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.