Chongqing (TDI): Pakistani cinema continues to gain international acclaim as two of its standout movies, Nayab and Deemak, were honored at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival held in Chongqing, China.
Nayab (2024), a coming-of-age sports drama about a young woman striving to make her mark in the male-dominated world of cricket, won the Jury Special Award. Directed by Umair Nasir Ali, the film was selected from among 19 entries submitted by SCO member countries.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ali announced the win and shared that the jury, comprising members from all SCO nations, praised Nayab for its “exceptional artistic merit, original storytelling, and directorial excellence.”
“This recognition feels both deeply personal and profoundly national,” Ali wrote. “It’s not just about the film, it’s about the stories Pakistan carries and the talent we have to share with the world. Participating in a festival that blends cinema with diplomacy and cultural exchange is truly an honor.”
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He expressed hope that Nayab’s success would open the door to more collaborations between filmmakers from Pakistan, China, and other SCO countries. “So our stories can continue to travel, connect, and inspire across borders,” he added.
Meanwhile, psychological horror film Deemak also brought pride to Pakistan by winning the award for Best Editing. The film stars Sonya Hussyn, Samina Peerzada, and Faysal Quraishi, and is directed by Rafay Rashdi.
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Rashdi took to Instagram to celebrate what he called a “historic win for Pakistani cinema on an international stage.” He thanked the SCO organizers, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information, and all those who supported the project.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
