Acclaimed filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s filmmaking landscape by celebrating the conclusion of the fourth edition of Patakha Pictures’ grant and mentorship program, “Her Earth Advocates.” This initiative, focused on climate change and women’s empowerment, successfully wrapped up its seven-month journey, featuring ten passionate filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.
Launched in April 2024 and backed by the United States Institute of Peace, “Her Earth Advocates” fostered the creation of five impactful short documentary films that highlight the environmental challenges faced by communities in Pakistan. The participants Maira Pasha & Shifa Rajput, Nadia Zartaj & Nagina Jabeen, Natasha Javed & Nirmal Bano, Sabika Noor Ali & Namrah Sikander, Saro Imran & Zareen Rajpoot—engaged in an intensive mentorship program under the guidance of Sundance Award-winning filmmaker Jesse Ericka Epstein, culminating in an in-person editing and showcasing event in Karachi.
The celebration brought together industry luminaries including Sarwat Gillani, Mehwish Hayat, Syra Yousuf, and others, creating a vibrant platform for the filmmakers to present their work and share insights from their creative processes. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy expressed her pride in the cohort’s achievements, emphasizing the importance of addressing urgent climate issues through their films.
“I’m immensely proud of our ‘Her Earth Advocates’ filmmakers,” Chinoy stated. “Their powerful narratives shed light on critical environmental concerns in Pakistan. With the generous support of USIP and the mentorship of Jesse Epstein, we are nurturing a more inclusive film ecosystem.”
Since its inception in 2022, Patakha Pictures has funded forty filmmakers who have produced twenty-one films, collectively winning twenty-seven awards at various international film festivals.
For more details on Patakha Pictures and upcoming opportunities, visit [patakhapictures.com]( or follow them on Instagram at [@patakha_pictures](
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