Amjad Hadi Yousafzai
PESHAWAR : The YouthLenz Film Festival concluded on a high note in Peshawar, reaffirming the growing potential of young filmmakers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the newly merged districts. Organized by the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with Colors, the festival provided a vibrant platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their creative vision, innovative storytelling, and cinematic talent.
A total of 30 short films were screened during the festival, covering a diverse range of social, cultural, educational, and environmental issues. After a comprehensive evaluation by an eminent panel of judges, the jury announced the winners of the festival. The short film “Filhaal” secured the first prize, followed by “Save Water, Save Life” in second place, while “Khamoshi” claimed the third position. The winning filmmakers were presented with cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding work.
The films were judged by a distinguished panel comprising renowned television actors Arshid Hussain and Khalid Khan Khattak, along with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Wagna Feroz, who appreciated the participants for their creativity, originality, and commitment to meaningful storytelling.
The festival attracted aspiring filmmakers, artists, students, youth, and creative professionals from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the newly merged districts. Adding color to the closing ceremony, celebrated Pashto singers Ghayour Wazir and Jiya Khan enthralled the audience with traditional and contemporary musical performances.
Certificates of participation were distributed among all participating filmmakers in recognition of their creativity and valuable contribution to the festival.
The successful conclusion of the YouthLenz Film Festival reflects the Directorate of Youth Affairs’ commitment, in partnership with Colors, to empowering young people through creative opportunities. The event not only celebrated emerging cinematic talent but also reinforced efforts to strengthen the province’s film industry by encouraging innovation, cultural expression, and the development of the next generation of filmmakers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
