Chongqing (TDI): Pakistan is participating in the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival with five films, in a significant display of its cinematic talent and cultural diplomacy.
The festival, being held in Yongchuan District, Chongqing, from July 3 to 7, brings together filmmakers, officials, and artists from across SCO member countries to promote regional cooperation through cinema.
Leading the Pakistani delegation, Minister of State for Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar addressed the opening ceremony and expressed pride in Pakistan’s active presence. She described the selected films as a vibrant reflection of Pakistan’s creativity, cultural depth, and storytelling evolution. Highlighting cinema as a powerful medium for fostering shared understanding, the minister noted that Pakistan’s participation embodies the country’s commitment to regional engagement through culture.
Three Pakistani films are part of the official selection. Allahyar and the 100 Flowers of God (2023) is an animated feature delivering an environmental message through adventure. Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning (2024) reimagines classical Eastern folklore in a fantasy action format, while The Martial Artist (2025) portrays resilience, discipline, and harmony across cultures.
Two films, Deemak (2025) and Nayab (2024), are competing for awards. Deemak tackles complex social realities, while Nayab presents a motivational story of determination and ambition. “These films are more than just artistic achievements,” said Qamar. “They mirror the hopes, struggles, and dreams of the Pakistani people.”
The minister also used the platform to highlight the enduring ties between Pakistan and China. “Calling each other ‘iron brothers’ is not a mere expression—it reflects a partnership tested by time and enriched by mutual support,” she remarked. She reiterated that Pakistan, China, and other SCO countries share common values and remain committed to building a peaceful, inclusive, and culturally rich future.
The SCO Film Festival is jointly organized by the China Film Administration and the Chongqing Municipal Government. It includes screenings, forums, a film technology exposition, and a gala concert. Awards will be announced in ten categories, including Best Film and Best Director. This year, 27 films from SCO member countries have been submitted.
Yongchuan, the host district, has emerged as a major centre for China’s film and television industry. It is home to over 100 production companies and cutting-edge facilities, including virtual production stages and AI-based post-production systems. During the festival, companies such as Dawa Imaging Technology are showcasing advanced filmmaking solutions, including digital humans, motion capture, and virtual pre-visualization tools.
Pakistani delegates are also attending the tech exhibition, where innovations in production design and artificial intelligence are being presented. China’s leadership in integrating technology with film is a focal point of the event, with Yongchuan positioning itself as a global hub for digital cinema.
Among Pakistan’s entries, Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning has generated notable interest for its genre innovation and visual effects, representing a significant stride for Pakistan’s fantasy and action storytelling. The film’s inclusion reflects a growing recognition of Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its film offerings and reach new audiences.
Pakistan’s participation in the SCO Film Festival reinforces its broader effort to strengthen cultural cooperation within the region. Through film, the country seeks not only to promote its image abroad but also to contribute meaningfully to shared narratives within the SCO framework.
The festival will continue until July 7, with screenings, cultural dialogues, and award presentations scheduled throughout the week.
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