LIDF

Today at the British Museum we are celebrating the fantastic LIDF Filmmaking for Social Change  project in Pakistan that, now in its second year, has been giving young people a platform on which to make their stories, viewpoints, and ideas heard by the wider world.

The aim of this important project is to explore the humanist side of the issues at the centre of  Pakistan, highlighting the daily lives of the Pakistani population, the individual stories, the names and lives behind the Western media’s negative portrayal of this complex and rich country.

I have been incredibly moved by the films I’ve seen today that have been genuinely thought-provoking.  Addressing issues as diverse as the plight of a young boy forced to pick up litter to have enough money to eat in ‘I am Agha’, to the effect of the mass fires started after Benazir Bhutto’s murder on the bus drivers who lost their livelihood in ‘Paper Bus’.

These are the stories that are missed, the details that make statistics into human beings and the stories that have the power to make Pakistan and its people understood.

The Panels have been further enlightening as to what the young filmmakers hope to effect through their documentation, the majority of the audience – from an Al Jazeera reporter to a social worker -  expressed concerns around the issue of how these films are to be used to inspire social change.

“We want the films to been seen not just in institutions but also in town halls, schools, and we even want people to put on autonomous screenings in their own houses, sports centres and halls, just get the films out and being seen by as many as possible,” Patrick Hazard, the festivals director, explained.

The young filmmakers too were impressively self-assured and articulate about their projects and aims, and are extremely excited to be starting their tour around the UK and Pakistan to get their films out and implementing a change in the hearts and minds of the general public.

“We want people to be inspired to make their own films, for people to think if these kids can make films, and can get their voices heard then so can I,” one of the young filmmakers tell a member of the audience.

Today has been thoroughly inspiring, and I hope their tours are as well attended as they deserve to be.