Successful second AJK Film Festival

The second AJK Film Festival by local film company Kashmiri Productions UK was a huge success on Saturday 15 July.

Held at Reel Cinema in Rochdale town centre, the festival was attended by the deputy mayor of Rochdale, local councillors and residents, and people travelling from Bradford, Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, Huddersfield, Ashton, Manchester and Oldham.

Zafar Iqbal, festival director and on behalf of Kashmiri Productions UK thanked the audience, supporters, filmmakers, artists and volunteers for their contribution in making the second AJK Film Festival a success.

The event was followed by a glitzy dinner where participants were presented with appreciation awards and Madina Masjid was given the opportunity to appeal for donations towards repair costs.
 

Read more: Over £3,000 raised towards repairs at Madina Masjid after third break-inPublished: 12 May 2023

The AJK Film Festival aims to promote Kashmiri culture, language and identity through moving image with films held in Urdu, Punjabi, Pahari, Pothohari and English languages.

 

 

Five films were shown at the festival: ‘Let's make a difference in Kashmir’ by Shoaib Akhtar, Rawalpindi Express; ‘Wang Meri Sonay Di’ by Natasha Khan; ‘Aalmi Din’ by Ammad Chaudhary; ‘Sounds of the Light’ by Hassan Hayat Khan, and ‘Miki Kharo Kashmir’ by Zafar Iqbal.

Deputy mayor Councillor Shakil Ahmed said: “This is a brilliant concept to promote Kashmiri language, culture and bringing communities together.”

He also thanked organisers, participants, filmmakers and supporters, before adding: “To arrange this scale of project each year on a volunteer basis, we must salute Zafar and Kashmiri Productions UK and wish them all the best.”

Councillor Sameena Zaheer said Kashmiri Productions had “once again produced and delivered a fantastic event with positive outcomes” whilst Councillor Shah Wazir said the company was taking steps to “keep our culture and language alive through arts, media and cinema presentations.”

Actor Sonia Khan said: “It's a dream come true for me to be part of this event and the movie which starred A listers I been watching since I was a teenager. I couldn't believe I'm on the big screen performing with the legends and at the same time highlighting community issues through a film.

“I am very thankful to Zafar for approaching me and giving me once in a lifetime opportunity. It was also extra special as my dad, husband and friends were with me.”

 

 

After thanking the Kashmiri Productions UK team, volunteers, participants and sponsors, festival director Zafar said: “It takes loads of courage, hard work and determination to build something creative like the AJK Film Festival which brings communities together and sets an example for others and having a will to carry on with the journey.

“It's overwhelming knowing that within the space of nine months since the conception of the film festival, it has become an international platform for filmmakers, content creators, artists and has put Rochdale on map.

“We are in discussion with organisations outside Rochdale who are interested in either taking a full festival programme to their town or arranging a screening of a single production.”