ilmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy marked the conclusion of the seventh edition of the Stories She Tells programme (December 11–12) with a public showcase. The six-month initi-ative brought together eight emerging women filmmakers, working in creative pairs to explore themes of resilience, women’s empowerment, music, art and cultural inheritance.

The fellows participated in an intensive online mentorship series led by Noe Mendelle, an award-winning director, pro-ducer and founder of the Scottish Documentary Institute. Marking her fourth visit to Pakistan as a mentor, Mendelle utilised her decades of global experience in festival juries and workshops to guide the parti-cipants. The programme, an initiative launched by SOC Films in 2022 in partnership with the British Council and the Scottish Documentary Institute, concluded with an in-person editing and closing session in Karachi.

The 2025 Fellows and their Shorts (Films)

From Multan, Mahjabeen Abid and Maryam Missal pres-ented the trailer for Malangni, which follows 44-year-old Aasiya, a Saraiki theatre performer grappling with fading stardom, loneliness and the emotional cost of a life spent on stage. Abid is an independent journalist focused on marginalised communities in South Punjab, while Missal’s work is focused at the inter-section of storytelling, gender and justice.

Karachi-based filmmakers Syeda Abqurah Shaukat and Faryal Diwan developed Saaz, Dhi, Azadi. The film follows Raheela, a musician navigating life between Karachi and Bhit Shah as she seeks to perform ‘Shah Jo Raag’ on the tanbooro at a shrine where women have historically been barred. Shau-kat’s work explores identity and resistance through a feminist lens, while Diwan’s practice includes film, poetry and tradi-tional arts, with a focus on indi-genous knowledge and climate justice.

Muntazir, by Mehrosh Alam and Sana Hussain from Chitral and Lahore, centres on Sundari Khan, a trans woman devoted to the religious practice of nohakhwani (poetic lamen-ting of grief and longing). Set in Lahore’s old city, the film captures the tension between Sundari’s revered spiritiual role in guiding communities through grief and the marginalisation she faces because of her identity. Alam’s work examines gender and cultural memory within Chitrali Khow culture, while Hussain is a multidisciplinary artist whose films explore vul-nerability, migration and the body.

From Quetta, Sumbal Kho-khar and Fizza Kanwal show-cased the trailer for Pehla Qadam, which follows Hameeda, an activist fighting for the implementation of Pakistan’s Anti-Rape Ordinance while pursuing justice for a 10-year-old survivor in Balochistan. The film documents the emotional, legal and social toll of confronting entrenched power structures in a region where cases are often buried and activists face retaliation. Khokhar is a writer and social justice advocate focused on gender-based violence and systemic injustice, while Kanwal is a journalist and activist whose work explores resilience, social inequality and empowerment.

The showcase was attended by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, mentor Noe Mendelle and various dignitaries, including Laila Jamil (Director Arts, British Council), Mark Bailey from British High Commission, Charles Goodman, US Consul General Karachi and HATTORI Masaru, Consul General of Japan in Karachi to name a few.

Speaking at the event, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy said, “Every year, Patakha Pictures shows how powerful films can be when women are given the space, trust and mentorship to tell their own stories. These eight filmmakers have explored complex, courageous narratives. Tonight’s showcase is a glimpse of what happens when talent is nurtured and emerging voices are supported in shaping the cultural memory of this country.”

British Council Pakistan Country Director, James Hampson reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the initiative and said, “We are proud to support a programme that amplifies women’s voices and equips emerging filmmakers with skills and confidence. We are also pleased to celebrate our partnership with SOC and their commitment to nurturing new talent and strengthening creative expression. We look forward to seeing the impact these filmmakers will have in Pakistan and beyond.”

Since its inception, Patakha Pictures has supported 69 filmmakers, whose work has collectively earned more than 25 awards and screened at over 70 festivals worldwide.