Pakistan film-maker selected to join Busan International Film Festival 

Hamza Bangash

By Nasir Aijaz
AsiaN Correspondent

Islamabad: This is an exciting year for Pakistani cinema. After attending the Locarno Filmmakers Academy in August, Writer-Director Hamza Bangash has been selected to join the Asian Film Academy as part of the Busan International Film Festival in October 2019.

The Asian Film Academy (AFA) is a program hosted by Busan International Film Festival, Busan Film Commission and GKL Foundation to foster young Asian talents and build their networks throughout Asia.

Over the past 14 years, 338 alumni from 32 countries have been standing out in filmmaking field all over the Asia and in the prestigious festivals throughout the world.

In previous year, world-renowned directors, such as Béla Tarr, Jia Zhangke, Hou Hsiao-hsien, Lee Chang-dong, Kore-eda Hirokazu and Lou Ye took on the role of AFA Dean and shared their great film experiences with AFA fellows.

The promising fellows from all over Asia will participate in various AFA programs, including short film production, workshops, and special lectures.

The two short films completed by the fellows will be officially presented at the 24^th Busan International Film Festival.

While participating in the programs, the fellows will rediscover themselves and share their passion towards films that goes far beyond the differences in their experiences and cultural backgrounds.

The Locarno Film Academy, an intensive 10 day program, hosted in Switzerland during the Locarno Film Festival on August 7-17 was aimed to bring major players in the world of cinema together with the most promising talents in contemporary film.

Hamza Bangash was the first Pakistani film-maker selected for this program.