[Karachi, May 7th, 2017]: ARY Digital Network set forth the 1st ARY Film Festival which ended on 7th of May, 2017 with a star-studded closing night hosted by the multitalented Faysal Qureshi and the beautiful Madiha Imam.
The event was attended by the top celebrities and personalities of the media and film industry. Amazing performances by Sheema Kirmani, Sanam Marvi and Hamza Qawwal along with a stand-up comedy act by the social media star Danish Ali.
The 3 day festival screened 33 films, which were shortlisted from around 400 entries received from all over the world. The jury included local and international award winning filmmakers, writers and media personalities such as Anwar Maqsood, Khalil Nanitalwala, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Marilyn Agrelo, Ram Kishore Parcha, John Gann, Andy Merkin, Jack McDonald and Amna Khan. The festival also came up with special screenings of internationally acclaimed films such as Maheen Ziaâs âLyari Notesâ, âBrave Heart: The Lizzie Velazquez Storyâ contributed by the American Film Showcase and Anjum Shehzadâs âMah e Mirâ. Additionally, Academy award winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoyâs âSong of Lahoreâ was also premiered at the festival.
Award for Best Story Feature Film was given to âChoora Ek Prathaâ and Best Short Film (Silver Category) to âAmrita & Iâ, both were screened in collaboration with Delhi International Film Festival. Seraj us Salikin won the award for Best Short Documentary for his film âMasters of the Skyâ; whereas award for Best Director Short Documentary goes to Ali Ijaz for âPangolins in Perilâ. âIn Search of Americaâ won the award for Best Short Film (Gold Category); Syed Fazal Hussain won the award of Best Actor (Short Film) for âDil Tau Bacha Haiâ. Best Documentary Feature award was given to âK2 & The Invisible Footmenâ and Maheen Ziaâs âLyari Notesâ won the Red Category Excellence in Documentary Feature. Purple Category Excellence in Documentary Feature was given to Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy for her film âSong of Lahoreâ. Anjum Shehzadâs âMah e Mirâ won the award for Best Film â Feature.
Mr. Salman Iqbal, President & Founder, ARY Digital Network, in his message about the festival said âIt has been our primary objective since the establishment of ARY Films to develop and foster the film industry in Pakistan. We have now embarked on yet another journey with the first ARY Film Festival, whereby we will provide a break to new and creative filmmakers from Pakistan and around the world to come showcase their talent and get known for their efforts. This is our first year for the festival and we intend to make it bigger and better in the years to comeâ.
Presented by Italiano and powered by Rooh Afza, the ARY Film Festival did special collaborations with American Film Showcase and Delhi International Film Festival. It was held from 4th to 6th May 2017 at the Cinepax Cinemas, Ocean Mall Karachi.