Her Earth Advocates celebrated in Karachi

nder the aegis of Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Patakha Pictures’s Her Earth Advocates, a seven-month initiative, funded by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), empowers ten Pakistani filmmakers (since 2022) to explore pressing issues related to climate change and women’s empowerment. Under the mentorship of Sundance award-winning filmmaker Jesse Ericka Epstein, the participants created five short documentaries that delve into the profound impact of climate change on Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities.

The work released this year capture the resilience and struggles of those most affected, offering a compelling reflection on the nation’s environmental challenges and the progress made in women’s empowerment. Here’s a quick look at at the five short documentaries that were screened at an event in Karachi

Lost to the Light (Sabika Noor Ali and Namra Sikander): “In the Tharparkar region, once-celebrated rain has become a source of fear due to increased lightning strikes, transforming a life-giving force into a source for dread.”

In Their Shoes (Saro Imran and Zareen Rajpoot): “In Muzaffargarh, two women—a transgender farmer and a laborer—strive to rebuild their lives after devastating floods in 2022 washed away their land, livelihoods, and sense of security. Their journey highlights strength in the face of environmental devastation and social neglect.”

Rehri Goth (Maira Pasha and Shifa Rajpoot): “On the coast of Karachi, the women of Rehri Goth adapt to the decline of the fishing industry. Industrialization and climate change have severely impacted traditional livelihoods, prompting these women to take on new roles as providers and challenge patriarchal norms, while grappling with the erosion of cultural heritage and the uncertainty of future generations.”

Mother Son Holy River (Nirmal Bano and Natasha Javed): “Along the Sutlej River, myth and memories intertwine with harsh realities. The once life-saving river, now polluted and heavily dammed, symbolizes loss and devastation. Through the stories of a grieving mother’s spirit, an aging boatman, and a frustrated young man, the film offers a layered view, balanced by a climate expert’s detached observations on impending floods.”

Hope in Disaster (Nadia Zartaj and Nagina Jabeen): “In Avagrach Valley, a community devastated by a catastrophic flood from melting glaciers fights to survive. The film captures the strength of the remaining residents as they contend with severe conditions to preserve their way of life.”

The program’s closing event in Karachi not only featured a screening of these short documentaries, but was followed by a panel discussion led by actress Sarwat Gillani. Prominent industry figures attended the event, including Mehwish Hayat, Syra Yousuf, Saqib Malik, Ali Hamza, Samina Ahmed, Kompal Iqbal, Alycia Dias, Amean J., Sania Maskatiya, Safinaz Muneer, Maheen Khan, Fahad Mirza, Sheema Kermani, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy herself.

“I’m proud of all the talented filmmakers from our ‘Her Earth Advocates’ cohort, whose poignant films have brought urgent climate issues to light in Pakistan. We are deeply grateful for the generous support from USIP and the inspiring guidance of our mentor, Jesse Epstein. I can’t wait to see where these Patakha Pictures fellows go next as they lead the way towards a more inclusive film ecosystem in Pakistan,” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at the event.

Speaking to Instep exclusively (post-event), Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy elaborated on her vision for the initiative. “Telling stories that matter is important to me, and I also know how hard it is to find the finances and mentorship to do so. At SOC Films, we routinely receive emails, calls, and visits from young women across Pakistan who want to be able to tell their stories. That’s why I launched Patakha Pictures as a platform that offers small grants and mentorship for filmmakers from across Pakistan who want to work in short-form storytelling. My hope is that in a few years, this platform will enable a filmmaker to represent our country at the Academy Awards.”

Patakha Pictures has supported 40 filmmakers - since initiation - whose works have collectively received 27 local and international awards and have been screened at over 50 international festivals.

Through Her Earth Advocates, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is empowering a new generation of filmmakers to tell authentic stories that resonate globally, shining a spotlight on Pakistan’s environmental challenges and cultural spirit. These filmmakers, through Patakha Pictures, are charting new paths for a future where film not only informs but inspires.