An exclusive industry screening of acclaimed writer and director Ayesha Farooq’s short films SHE; Who Lives and Ismail was held this week in Lahore, bringing together some of Pakistan’s most respected voices in cinema. The event created an intimate space for dialogue around storytelling, social impact, and the future of Pakistani filmmaking.

Presented by Jahanzaib Iqbal Baig, Urdu Digest, and Datanox, in collaboration with The Asix Films, the screening gathered filmmakers, producers, media professionals, and cultural contributors. The afternoon showcased bold, socially resonant narratives that continue to redefine contemporary documentary and short film storytelling in Pakistan.

Legendary industry figures Syed Noor, Nadeem Mandviwala, and Rashid Khawaja attended the screening and shared their reflections, praising the films for their thematic depth, emotional honesty, and cinematic clarity. Their insights reinforced the importance of socially driven narratives in preserving cultural memory and sparking meaningful discourse.

SHE; Who Lives, a deeply personal documentary exploring resilience, womanhood, and intergenerational memory, has earned multiple international accolades, including Best Documentary at the Australian Women Film Festival 2023 and Best Non-Fiction at the National Black Snapper International Film Festival 2023. Ismail, centered on a young boy’s transformative journey through adversity, continues to inspire conversations around youth empowerment, purpose, and courage.

Sharing her vision, Ayesha Farooq, founder of The Asix Films, expressed gratitude for the Lahore film community, stating, “It was an honor to bring these films home to Lahore and to share the stories with the people who understand the soul of Pakistani cinema.” The screening concluded with renewed dialogue on the role of socially conscious filmmaking in shaping Pakistan’s cultural narrative.