Pakistani films Nayab and Deemak received top honors at the vibrant closing ceremony of the SCO Film Festival, held in Chongqing, China. Nayab was awarded the prestigious “Jury Special Award,” while Deemak won the “Best Editing Award.”
Director Umair Nasir Ali and acclaimed actor Mohammad Usama accepted the award for Nayab, while Deemak’s director Rafay Akbar Rashdi and actress Soniya Hussyn received their accolade amidst enthusiastic applause.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar, Executive Director General of the Directorate of Electronic Media and Publications Samina Farzin, and several directors, producers, and actors representing the Pakistani films showcased during the festival.
Speaking to APP, Nayab’s director Umair Nasir Ali shared his reflections on the film’s screening, saying he was deeply moved by the overwhelming response from the Chinese audience.
“The cinema was packed, and what truly moved me was how deeply they engaged with the film. They picked up on the emotional arcs and layers, and asked thoughtful questions that reflected a deep connection with the story,” he said.
He noted that the character of Nayab—her resilience and determination in the face of social and familial constraints—resonated powerfully with the audience.
“One documentary filmmaker praised the narrative structure and treatment, which was very meaningful to me. Many viewers even expressed a desire to see more of Nayab’s final match against India, showing just how invested they had become in her journey.”
Ali described the experience as a powerful reminder that stories rooted in local cultures can have universal appeal.
The screening of Nayab took place at a major cinema in the Yongchuan district of Chongqing. The event drew filmmakers from SCO member countries, media professionals, Chinese citizens, and members of the Pakistani delegation.
Attendees gathered not just to watch the film, but to experience a glimpse of Pakistan’s evolving cinematic landscape.
