A short film by two Pakistani students on US drone attacks in Pakistan and their impact on society has won an international film award, however they were refused US visa to receive the award in Washington.
The film was awarded with the Best Audience Award at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth in Washington DC. Filmmakers Muhammad Danish, writer and director, and Atiqullah, producer of the short film, are students at Iqra University, a private management studies institute in Pakistan.
The 20-minute short film revolves around the idea of assessing social, psychological and economical affects on people from the tribal areas of Pakistan. The film identified problems that families face after becoming victims of drone missiles. Besides, it unearths line of action of terrorists groups who then use victim families for their vested interests. Despite being chosen for awards, both the students could not attend the award ceremony. They had applied for US visa twice, but were rejected by the US Embassy. “If we get visa then it would be quite easy and helpful to frame our point of view in front of selected youth film makers,” Danish said.
“The film gained interest from audience across the globe, compelling festival administrators to give Audience Award to the film.”